Slavery dehumanized both the enslaved and the enslavers from "summary" of Capitalism & Slavery by Eric Eustace Williams
The institution of slavery had a profound impact on both the enslaved individuals and those who held power over them. The dehumanization that occurred under slavery was not limited to the physical and emotional suffering experienced by the enslaved, but also extended to the moral degradation of the enslavers themselves. The enslaved were stripped of their basic human rights and treated as mere property, subject to the whims and desires of their owners. They were denied autonomy over their own bodies, forced to labor under brutal conditions, and subjected to physical and psychological abuse. This dehumanization was not only a result of the harsh treatment they endured, but also stemmed from the systematic denial of their humanity by those in power. In contrast, the enslavers also experienced a form of dehumanization through their participation in the institution of slavery. By viewing their fellow human beings as property to be bought and sold, they became complicit in the dehumanization of others. This mindset allowed them to justify the exploitation and abuse of the enslaved, leading to a moral decay that eroded their own humanity. Furthermore, the economic incentives of slavery perpetuated this dehumanization on both sides of the equation. The pursuit of profit at the expense of human dignity led to a system in which both the enslaved and the enslavers were reduced to mere instruments of economic production. This dehumanization was not only a byproduct of the economic system, but also served to reinforce and perpetuate the oppressive structures that upheld slavery. In this way, the dehumanization that occurred under slavery was a two-fold process that affected both the oppressed and the oppressors. The inherent cruelty and brutality of the institution stripped away the humanity of all involved, leaving a legacy of suffering and degradation that continues to impact society to this day.
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