Domestic Slavery

Domestic slavery is really slavery. The definition of slavery is a system under which people are treated as property to be bought and sold, and are forced to work. Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to demand compensation. Consequently, domestic slaves are held to that same system. The difference is that domestic slaves live within the master’s houses and are well fed.

As a domestic slave, your rights are taken and you have to follow whatever instructions are given to you even if you don’t want to. For example, Chiago was forced to have relations with Pa Palagada against her will. She had to do it or she would have faced some type of punishment. Another example, when Ojebeta was asked if she would assist Victoria with her kids, Victoria was implying that she really didn’t have a choice in the matter anyways. In my opinion, being a domestic slave was more physically and emotionally demanding when compared to other forms of slavery. Domestic slaves had no time for themselves and were always required to do some form of work. For instance, when Ojebeta and Amanna were laughing and playing around, as kids do, Pa Palagada got upset and reprimanded them to get back to work. Domestic slaves are property that masters could release their angry on. They are beaten for the slightly problem. Ojebeta was beaten by Victoria simply because her child spilled some food all over itself.

However, domestic slaves did experience some luxury by living within close proximity of the master. In the novel, they always had food such as meat and the best agidi. Their master, Ma Palagada provided them with clothes and presented them with gifts occasionally. Depending on the slaves attitude, domestic slavery was a better alternative. However according to Ojebeta she states “I would rather be a poor girl in Ibuza than a well-fed slave in this house without Ma.”

In conclusion,...