Slave Trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Slave Trade - Essay Example This paper discusses that while John Barbot account is from an active participant in slavery Mary Prince account is that of a victim of slavery. John Barbot played an active role in slave trade as he was an employee of the French slave trading company in the 1670s and 1680s, the slavery activities of this company were mainly based in West Africa; a region which by then was one of the major French colonies. His account is based on the experiences during the business encounters in which goods were exchanged for human beings, and he notes most of those sold by blacks were mainly prisoners of war. These were mainly captives during various war encounters or those held hostage when a given community raids its enemy community.  This study declares that  intended objects of were often tricked to transport goods to the slave and without their notice; they were sold and held captive. Barbot recalls a story narrated to him of a father who had supposedly tricked his son to sell him but since the son was able to understand the conversation later on conspired with the slave trader and convinced him his father was his slave and as a result the father was held captive.  John Barbot account underscores the absoluteness nature of kings that any suspicion of threat from his subjects resulted to them being sold out as slaves, whereby a typical example of a priest who was sold to Barbot following a king orders being given. Kings were always above everyone in the society and their word was final.... Barbot recalls a story narrated to him of a father who had supposedly tricked his son to sell him but since the son was able to understand the conversation later on conspired with the slave trader and convinced him his father was his slave and as a result the father was held captive. However, the son was met by black slave traders on his way home, the goods he had received from the sale of his father were taken and he was also sold as a slave. John Barbot account underscores the absoluteness nature of kings that any suspicion of threat from his subjects resulted to them being sold out as slaves, whereby a typical example of a priest who was sold to Barbot following a king orders being given. Kings were always above everyone in the society and their word was final. They even had responsibilities to organising raids in neighbouring communities with intentions of capturing slaves for sale. In the account it is also revealed that young children of both sexes are also sold by their neighb ours (Stearns 181). These children were usually captured and sold at certain times of the year when they would be sent at strategic positions by parents to scare the birds that came to damage crops. In addition, in order to avoid starvation during times of famine people also sold so as to get the necessary maintenance, thus, the business of slave trade business is largely associated with kings, very rich in the society as well as blacks. Mary prince commences her account on slavery by revisiting her childhood familiarities and later on embarks on her slavery involvements in the West Indies. While John Barbot’s slavery account is focused on West African slave trade, Mary

Why Environmental & Ecological Engineering is important Essay

Why Environmental & Ecological Engineering is important - Essay Example In addition to developing avenues toward safe exploitation of natural resources, the branch of engineering is also important because of its role in disaster prevention and management. Through ensuring preservation of ecosystems, the engineering fosters natural mechanisms for controlling factors towards disasters. It also develops strategies for appropriate management of disasters for minimal impacts (Prevention 1, 2). Environmental and ecological engineering is also important in ensuring people’s health. Evaluation and development of environmental constructs are particular instrumental in controlling diseases that can be communicated through natural media such as air and water. An understanding of the media and factors towards diseases’ transmittal therefore facilitates development of strategies for preventing diseases such as those associated with Bioarosol (Jordan, Donald, Tiina and Jane 4631). Environmental and Ecological Engineering is therefore important because it develops strategies for preserving ecosystems, prevention and management of disasters, and promoting people’s well being through prevention of communicable diseases. Jordan, Peccia, Donald, Milton, Tiina, Reponen, and Jane, Hill. A rolefor environmental engineering and science in preventing bioaerosol-related disease. Environmental Science and Technology 42.13 (2008): 4631-4637. Print. Minnesota. â€Å"Environmental and ecological engineering.† University of Minnesota. November 9, 2012. Web. December 3, 2012. . Prevention. â€Å"The role of environmental management and eco-engineering in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.† August, 2008. Web. December 3, 2012.