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Paternalism and Slavery The slaves in early America were far better off than many of the factory workers during the same time period. In exchange for food, clothing, and healthcare, which the slaveholders provided the slaves, slaves were expected to give their labor and obedience in return. Slaveholders saw themselves as custodians of the welfare of society as a whole and the black families who depend on them. Is this really what happened? The Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass gives the reader an excellent example of how life was for a slave. Frederick did not look at his masters as paternal figures as most of the slaves did. In general, there are things that slaveholders did to act as parents or caretakers such as giving their slaves food, clothing, and even at times working for rewards. There are also many instances that Douglass narrates where slaveholders act like horrible, inhumane animals. Overall, there is a sense of paternalism at times on the plantations, more than you may think. Slavery is something that was necessary for the United States to develop into what it is today. It may have been atrocious and awful, but it got the job done. In taking a closer look at slavery and the relationship between slave and slaveholder, we see evidence of paternalism. There are instances where Frederick Douglass is “…working for the first time with the hope of reward.”1. This was unheard of to Frederick. White children had the same opportunities to work for a reward with their parents. Frederick was 7-8 years old at this time; he has not felt the utter terror of being a slave yet, although he has witnessed some terrible acts against his people.
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