Slavery has long passed, but it is an important part of the United States' history. I would argue that one cannot begin to understand race relations, systemic racism and oppression, and the history and current condition of the African American community without examining slavery. Racism, on the other hand, is alive and present. It is not a thing of the past. Slavery and racism are not the same; the terms cannot be used interchangeably.
The 13th Amendment abolished the "peculiar institution" and set the parameters for involuntary servitude in this country. It could not and did not correct racism. Although slavery was formally ended with the 13th Amendment, passed by Congress on January 31, 1865 and ratified by the states on December 6, 1865, the amendment proved insufficient to redress the racial prejudice that spawn from 246 years of enslaving and dehumanizing black people. Almost 100 years after its passage, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965, still necessary, were enacted into law. Today, over 50 years post the Civil Rights Era, here we are. We still find ourselves still dealing with the ugly remnants of slavery: racism, prejudice, discrimination, hatred, and bigotry.
So when I hear someone say, “they should get over it.” “It” refers to slavery; “they” refers to black people. I must admit that I feel a combination of offense and annoyance. If “get over it” means black people today should not be angry at anyone, particularly white people of today, that slavery existed, I agree. It is not their fault! Those responsible for the development of that devastating institution are not around anymore. There is no one left to blame or be angry at. Anger would be unproductive and misplaced.
If “get over it” means forget about slavery, I completely disagree. Slavery is a part of our history---the history of the United States; the history of all Amercians; the history of black people. I do not think we should ever forget about it or "get over it." We should not trivialize the genocide, sacrifices, and oppression of those who were swallowed by our country for generations. We should not forget the injustices and human casualties that occur when our actions and policies do not align with our values and principles.
I cannot overlook slavery. You shouldn't either. While you and I are not responsible for what happened centuries before our time, we are obligated to ensure it never happens to any individual or any group in our country ever again.
