Systemic Erasure: Uncovering the Historical Patterns of Enslavement and Power Dynamics in Samuel Pepys' Correspondence
Original framing: “Pepys ‘curated’ letters to conceal being offered enslaved boy as bribe – research” — The Guardian - World
The original framing omits the historical context of enslavement, the experiences of enslaved people, and the systemic power dynamics that enabled such practices. It also fails to acknowledge the ongoing impact of these actions on communities of color. Furthermore, the narrative neglects to consider the role of colonialism and imperialism in shaping Western historical narratives.
Medium structural omission detected in mainstream coverage.
This narrative was produced by Dr. Michael Edwards, a Cambridge University historian, for a Western audience. The framing serves to highlight the historical significance of Pepys' actions, while obscuring the broader power structures that enabled enslavement and the experiences of enslaved people. The narrative reinforces the dominant Western perspective on history, marginalizing the voices and experiences of people of color.
The history of enslavement is deeply intertwined with the history of colonialism and imperialism. The transatlantic slave trade was a key driver of European colonization, and the enslavement of Africans was a central component of this process. This historical context is essential for understanding the systemic power dynamics that enabled enslavement.
The discovery of Samuel Pepys' concealed correspondence highlights the systemic erasure of enslaved people's experiences and the power dynamics that enabled such practices.