They Came, They Saw, They... Dusted? The Surprisingly Chill (For Them) Jobs of Pennsylvanian Slaves
Alright, alright, hold on to your powdered wigs, history buffs! We're here to talk about the not-so-chill reality of enslaved people in William Penn's colony. But before you doze off during another lecture about toil and trouble, let me tell you, Pennsylvania's slave scene was a bit... unique. Buckle up for a history lesson with a twist of humor, because sometimes, you gotta laugh to keep from crying (unless you're chopping onions for your enslaver, then that's a different story).
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| What Did Slaves Do In Pennsylvania Colony |
From Forest to Fancy: The Early Days of Pennsylvanian Peonage
So, Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn, a Quaker dude with a thing for peace, love, and, well, apparently also involuntary servitude. Yes, you read that right. In the early days, enslaved people were forced to clear land and build settlements. Think of them as the original bulldozers, but way less comfortable and definitely not getting a participation trophy.
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Domesticles or Diving for Dollars: Philly's Peculiar Labor Force
Once Pennsylvania was comfy-cozy and established, things got interesting. Unlike the cotton-pickin' plantations down south, Philly's enslaved people found themselves in a mixed bag of jobs. Fancy folks flaunted their wealth with live-in servants, while middle-class merchants used them for everything from housework to apprenticeships (because who needs to pay a fair wage when you've got free labor, am I right?).
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
The city's port location also meant some enslaved people ended up working the docks. Imagine these guys wrangling massive ropes and stitching sails, all while dreaming of freedom and maybe a decent tan.
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
But wait, there's more! In rural areas, enslaved people became the farmhands, the housekeepers, the jacks (and jills) of all trades. Basically, whatever needed doing got done by folks who weren't exactly signing up for the job.
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
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Why So Different, Pennsylvania? The "Lite" Version of Slavery? (Spoiler: No)
Now, before you get all misty-eyed about Pennsylvania being some kind of slavery utopia (because, let's be honest, that's a terrifying thought), here's the not-so-funny part. The number of enslaved people in Pennsylvania, though lower than some Southern colonies, was still significant. And let's not forget the whole "being owned by another human being" thing. Not exactly a walk in the park.
However, Pennsylvania's unique Quaker background and the smaller scale of slavery compared to the South did create a different dynamic. There was more opportunity for interaction between enslaved and free people, which eventually played a role in the abolitionist movement.
So You Want to Be a Super-Savvy Pennsylvanian Slave? (Don't. But Here's a Hypothetical Guide... Just for Fun)
How to Avoid Backbreaking Labor:
- Master the Art of Flattery: Become your enslaver's favorite person. Maybe even write them a sonnet or two (bonus points if you can rhyme "bondage" with "orange").
- Become an Indispensable Skilled Worker: Brush up on your blacksmithing, carpentry, or sailmaking. The more valuable you are, the less likely you are to be stuck in a field.
- Befriend the Quakers: These peace-loving folks might just be sympathetic to your plight (and maybe help you out down the line).
Disclaimer: This is all hypothetical, folks. Slavery was a horrific institution, and these tips are purely for comedic effect.
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