rchapman
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New video: Why Thomas Jefferson Didn't Free His Slaves
🕑 Added 2023-06-01 14:10:04 +0000 UTCHey everyone, here's the latest video. I published it over Memorial Day Weekend, which perhaps wasn't the best in terms of timing, but that's when I was done producing it. I think Americans still have unfinished business in resolving their opinions and understanding of Jefferson, and this piece tried to help that process along.
I know everyone's not crazy about these 18th century & ancient history pieces, so if thats you, thank you for bearing with me. I think they're important for helping people understand the world we live in now. Looking forward, I'm planning to film another short patron's video this week, again probably on Jefferson unless people really don't want to see it. I have a short little story I want to tell. After that, we're back in the 20th century with a full-length piece covering how World War II began.
Thanks as always for your support, and hope you like this one.
- Ryan
Comments
Charnell Jones
Well done!
Max
I joined you on Patreon after watching this video on YouTube. The reason I joined, is your impartiality and objective analysis, a scare commodity in today's world.
Jordan Friendshuh
Jefferson was also a big player in stopping the transatlantic slave trade, trying to reduce the slavery in America from growing.
Jordan Friendshuh
You missed another important factor on Jefferson's slave holding, which is covered in Tomas Sowell's book "Black Redneck, White Liberal" (an amazing book on the racial issues in America) which is that Aristocrats like Jefferson or Washington don't really "own" an estate like we like to think of today. They see it as a multi generational institution which was his to run and was responsible for, but not something they can just dissolve for their own ideas or gains. Also these estates, especially in the case of Jefferson, are run in a state of continual debt, so he was not legally allowed to free his slaves due to the debt contracts.
Mark A Rosasco
Great job on the Jefferson video, keep up the good work!
Mella
I'm glad you did. I had a similar feeling, kind of nauseated with Jefferson's views. Despite the idealism that all people are created equal. Conflicts at a gut level, which in our current cultural context is hard to discuss. Or understand or accept sometimes. Which is why, to me, this video is so helpful. IF difficult to watch.
Mella
That was fantastic, Ryan. Thanks.
Mike S.
Always enjoy discussions concerning the people who formed the early USA. Amazing video please more of the same.
Will Hedges
Loved that video, really well made. I think it probably not the flashiest of video concepts and that’s why it didn’t do as well. It was a great shift in perspective for me. I really enjoy the history videos and hope you continue to make more in the future.
Ann Schmitt
Enjoyed the video. Please continue to keep us informed!
Jim Tierney
If one studies ancient thought via myths and stories, none of their heroes were flawless. We know this instinctively, but deny such grace to the towering icons that helped pry open the doors to the modern world. Very petty.
Ryan Chapman
I think the truly impressive act here is your willingness to have an open mind, despite having strong feelings to the contrary. Thank you for doing that.
Jim Tierney
I do think yo should look into the economics of slave holding plantations and the laws about manumission. Jefferson died broke, and in debt. I have always understood that his slaves as well as his land were entailed in that debt. Thanks again. Your work is something real in a sea of dross.
Jim Tierney
Sorry, I did not mean to post yet.
Jim Tierney
Ryan, I loved, and hated this video. Jefferson is a hero of mine. It was not easy to hear you describe his "feet of clay" so succinctly and authoritatively. This exactly what I choose to hear and I signed on to Patreon right after.
Hani
Loved the Jefferson video Ryan, very insightful!
