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if you think you see no slaves in pennsylvania," replies…

“if you think you see no slaves in pennsylvania," replies capt. zhang, his face as smooth as suet, "why, look again. they are not all african, nor do some of them even yet know,--may never know,--that they are slaves. slavery is very old upon these shores,--there is no innocence upon the practice…” quote by Thomas Pynchon
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““if you think you see no slaves in pennsylvania," replies capt. zhang, his face as smooth as suet, "why, look again. they are not all african, nor do some of them even yet know,--may never know,--that they are slaves. slavery is very old upon these shores,--there is no innocence upon the practice anywhere, neither among the indians nor the spanish nor in the behavior of the rest of christendom, if it come to that.””

Thomas Pynchon

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He points out that slavery persists in hidden forms across societies, beyond obvious racial lines, urging vigilance.

In simple terms: Slavery can exist in subtle, unnoticed ways worldwide.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and confront hidden oppression.

Themes

social justice history human rights

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • policy reform
  • community activism
  • historical research

Key Concepts

systemic oppression colonial legacy ethical awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What modern practices resemble hidden slavery?
  • How can societies expose concealed oppression?
A Different Perspective

Identifying hidden slavery can be complex and contested.

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