Sophisticated Slavery

By M. A. Stevens

Sophisticated Slavery is a book of poetry that tells and shows
the impact of slavery and freedom on people's lives. Take a look at the language from the beginning to the end, as well as the history and the historical events, from slavery to a more sophisticated kind of slavery called freedom. The language changes as the slaves become more educated - as they (people) are still becoming educated onto another level every day. First, they are not allowed to have a book in their possession, later they are taught and allowed to read. Ignorance is a weapon that works against a person's psyche and emotions. It tends to lead to low self-esteem, low self-worth, and ultimately brainwash.
In Sophisticated Slavery, one is able to see the progression from being unlearned/untaught to being educated and brainwashed. And it is still prevalent today. This book will speak to generations to come.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477176924

M. A. Stevens

M. A. Stevens, born and raised in the South amidst the advent of various forms of freedom, as a little girl, I felt the difference among my people. We were as outcasts in a progressing world. My parents knew the value of education and sent all of their eight children to school to be taught and "make" a better living for ourselves. I did not know what “picking” cotton was until my parents were taking me to college and I saw people in the fields. I did not know what "cropping" tobacco was until I asked to be allowed to go with my friends on the back of the truck that used to come in the neighborhood to pick them up to go to work. Nor did I understand that I was the "lucky" one when I did go to work on the "Beach" riding a bus filled with people so happy to go to work without the hope of benefits, and no days off. These poems reflect those experiences and memories. Now I see the same things happening and I believe that God has encouraged me to submit this manuscript "for such a time as this".

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Copyright © 2012 by M. A. Stevens.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Contents

Preface

A Slave Speaks

The Road To Freedom

A Freeman

Sophisticated Slavery

Momma Africa is Calling

Being A Black Woman

The Rape Of Africa

Free? Aren’t We?

Learning and Liberty

Why Can’t We See?

Get Smart

And The Band

Played On

Modern Slavery

It’s Too Late?

Or Is It?

Confusion

Questions ?????

Just Thinking

Satanism

Memories

Remembrances

Grandmomma’s Kitchen

The Glory of Spring

Real Living

Heartfelt Duties

The Sweet Potato Bank

The Persimmon Tree

The Beauty of Nature

The Culmination of Love

My Father-in-Law

Country’s Beauty

My Testimony

A Child’s Plea

An Example of A Man

Preface

M aybe not because of the way that it is written,

But because of the message that is given

A hint is said in every word.

A message to Blacks,

P lease, let it be heard!

A Slave Speaks

A slave I am.

Blongs ta Massa Ben

I’s gwine ta run ta freedom

I’s want my life ta begin.

I ’s been the plow horse and the mule,

The chauffeur and the cook,

The stable boy and the butler,

Open ya eyes yawl. Take a closer look.

K idnapped from my home

Beat, whipped, and chained

Lay in the belly of a ship

Degraded time and time