Discussion Post (American History), history homework help

PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO CITE YOUR SOURCES.

First, please read the following:

• This essay by historian Nell Irvin Painter examines the psychological aspects of slavery on both blacks and whites, especially children. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4i3084.html

• This entry on slave spirituals: http://spotlightonmusic.macmillanmh.com/%20music/teachers/articles/folk-and-traditional-styles/african-american-spirituals

Then listen to the slave song “Oh Mary, Don’t You Weep”

I can’t upload the audio file. So I just put the lyrics in the attached file below.

Answer the following questions.

1. From Painter’s essay, discuss the psychological aspects of slave beatings on the “observer.” How does the black “observer” differ from the white “observer”?
2. Discuss the various purposes of slave songs. What do the songs tell you about the Underground Railroad? What do you learn about African-American religion from “Oh Mary, Don’t You Weep”?