In Part 6 of the Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome series, Kaleesha Washington begins Chapter 2, “Whole to Three-Fifths: Dehumanization,” from Dr. Joy DeGruy’s groundbreaking book.

This episode explores how slavery in America evolved into a uniquely brutal system that depended upon the dehumanization of African people and the legal, cultural, and psychological denial of their humanity.

Topics explored in this episode include:
• the origins and evolution of slavery in colonial America
• how American slavery differed from other forms of slavery throughout history
• Bacon’s Rebellion and the rise of race-based lifelong slavery
• the Fugitive Slave Laws and the criminalization of freedom
• biblical discussions surrounding slavery and refuge
• the legal treatment of enslaved Africans as property rather than fully human
• Toni Morrison’s inspiration for Beloved
• and how systems of oppression rely upon dehumanization in order to survive

This episode also examines how America’s racial hierarchy was intentionally constructed through law, economics, religion, and culture — and how the effects of that system continue to shape society today.

Drawing from history, education, literature, politics, and personal reflection, Kaleesha explores why understanding the process of dehumanization is essential to understanding both America’s past and its present.

This is Part 6 of an ongoing series discussing Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Dr. Joy DeGruy.

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Hosted by Kaleesha Washington