From slavery and colonialism to immigration
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There are some common features of slavery in the USA, the colonialism that European countries engaged in from the 18th century and well into the 20th century. I would also like to draw a line to the immigration of our time. I may be pushing it a bit, but I see our time’s immigration as a consequence of colonialism and slavery.
The common features
First, I must define what I mean by immigration. What I am thinking of is primarily people who move from one place to another to get work, or to get a better life materially.
The number of refugees as a consequence of wars is greater today than ever before. These seek protection, as do those who flee because they belong to a particular ethnic group, are political opponents of the current regime, or for other reasons seek protection. I do not describe these as immigrants in this context.
Why was there slavery?
A prerequisite for slavery being possible was a notion that people with a different skin color were really something else. A notion that whites were superior. Basically, some countries (especially in America) had a need for labour. The large cotton plantations needed workers. They needed cheap labor. Bringing slaves from the African continent was the solution.
Having slaves was really in conflict with Christian ethics. Therefore, the notion of the superiority of the white race was created. A performance that actually still lives on among some. The same notion of the superiority of the white race was central to Hitler’s Germany. Later also in South Africa during Apartheid.
The slaves were exploited, for the economic benefit of whites.
Why colonies?
Partly in parallel and partly after slavery had ended, several European powers had colonies. The white man divided up lands according to what suited them, regardless of ethnic and religious boundaries where the colonies were.
The colonies were also a result of the notion that the white race and its culture are superior to others. At the end of the colonial period, the notion was slightly different. Now the justification was often that the whites had to rule so that there would be no wars and conflicts.
To some extent, the colonial era was also about cheap labour. But, most of all, it was a battle between the great powers for access to natural resources where the colonies were located. Access to gold, spices, metals and foodstuffs.
Today, in reality, some poor countries are completely dependent on more powerful friends. Loans for the construction of roads, railways and other things are given with two purposes. Access to natural resources and friends in a world divided politically by the games of the great powers.
Immigration of our time
In many ways, both slavery and colonies still exist. But now slavery is formally prohibited. But we actually see slavery among children who have to work for very little pay, among women who are forced into prostitution, etc.
In Europe and some other countries, birth rates are falling. This is a problem for them. An increasingly elderly population requires greater resources for nursing and care. Business in various industries needs labour. With the fall in the number of births, the problem must be solved in a different way. This is what immigration is used for today. Today, the explanation for immigration is that people move to find work. That is of course part of the explanation. Nevertheless, it can be looked at from two sides. Immigration also means that well-qualified labor ends up in rich countries. Poor countries are left behind without the doctors, nurses and engineers. They have left for better paying jobs elsewhere.
Same purpose, just different names
As I see it, the purpose is the same whether it is slavery, colonies or immigration. The purpose is to utilize the resources found elsewhere, for the benefit of the rich. Poor people and poor countries are the losers.
When rich countries supply themselves with labor today, it is with an aftertaste. I understand well that people go to places where there is hope for better conditions. Nevertheless, seen in a large global perspective, it is thought-provoking. Doctors from Africa end up in Europe. Engineers from India too. Taking away from them one of the prerequisites for the development of their own country is the consequence.
Sources:
Slavery | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica
Western colonialism | Definition, History, Examples, & Effects | Britannica