By John Q. Hosedrinker 
An Oklahoma Republican representative defended a PragerU Kids video on national television that is part of the state’s elementary school curriculum. The video, “Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World,” features cartoon characters interviewing Columbus and discussing his actions, including slavery. Critics like Brett Chapman and Jabee Williams have condemned the video as racist and minimizing the horrors of slavery. Representative Woolley defended the video as a supplemental educational tool, claiming its remarks about slavery were being misconstrued and that the video aims to provide context about Columbus’s actions within a historical setting.
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OK Rep. defends history cartoon claiming slavery was ‘better than being killed’ is a truly disheartening perspective, one that reveals a disturbing misunderstanding – or perhaps a deliberate misrepresentation – of history and human dignity. The very notion that being enslaved is preferable to death is a gross oversimplification of the horrors of slavery, the utter lack of agency and the systematic abuse of human beings. To suggest that this was somehow a benevolent alternative, rather than a brutal form of control and exploitation, is deeply offensive to those who suffered under its yoke and to anyone with a basic understanding of human rights.
The crux of the issue seems to stem from a children’s video, which, in its attempt to explain why Columbus is honored, takes a bizarre detour into justifying slavery. The cartoon’s portrayal of Columbus suggesting that “being taken as a slave is better than being killed, no?” is a truly appalling distortion. This narrative attempts to recast the brutal reality of slavery as a “lesser evil,” completely ignoring the countless deaths, the families torn apart, the rapes, the beatings, the denial of basic freedoms, and the psychological torment endured by enslaved people. The argument completely disregards the fact that many enslaved people actively chose death rather than endure the indignity and suffering of slavery. This argument tries to minimize the immense suffering slaves underwent, and it is appalling to hear this defense, almost as if the enslaved should be thankful they weren’t killed.
The history of slavery is not just a tale of physical hardship; it is a story of the complete dehumanization of a group of people. Enslaved individuals were treated as property, stripped of their identities, their families torn apart, and their bodies and minds subjected to the will of their enslavers. The video’s attempt to frame this as a “better” option is a cruel slap in the face to the ancestors of those who suffered this horrendous fate. The suggestion of this narrative further compounds the indignity by attempting to reframe the historical record.
The argument that at least slaves were “alive” is a particularly weak defense. The value of life is inextricably linked to the ability to live it freely and with dignity. For slaves, life was a constant struggle for survival, a state of perpetual fear and oppression. The average life expectancy of a slave was significantly lower than that of their white counterparts, a direct result of the brutal conditions, lack of healthcare, and the deliberate neglect of their well-being. Infant mortality rates were twice as high, fueled by malnutrition, forced labor of pregnant women, and horrific living conditions. To say that slavery was “better” than death ignores the fact that slavery itself often led to death, either directly through violence or indirectly through disease, starvation, and despair.
Furthermore, the rationale put forth is riddled with logical fallacies. The statement “if you’re still alive, you have the opportunity for change and for freedom and for reformation to come” is a weak justification at best. It ignores the immense suffering and the fact that enslaved individuals were denied the very agency necessary to fight for their freedom and a better life. The notion that enslaved people should be grateful for the “opportunity” to be enslaved, rather than killed, is a truly despicable position. The defense sidesteps the fact that countless enslaved individuals fought for their freedom, that they resisted their enslavers in every way they could, and that they risked their lives to escape the horrors of slavery. It is essential to remember that slaves frequently chose death over life under slavery.
This type of historical revisionism is deeply troubling. It attempts to sanitize the past, to downplay the brutality of slavery, and to excuse the actions of those who profited from it. It is a dangerous distortion of history that undermines efforts to understand and address the lasting impact of slavery on society today.
The response from the Oklahoma representative, and the cartoon itself, suggests an attempt to rewrite history, ignoring the lived experiences of those who endured slavery. This whitewashing is dangerous because it trivializes the suffering and injustice of the past, and it can easily lead to the continuation of harmful ideologies and practices.
The situation underscores a critical need for accurate and honest historical education. Children should be taught the full and true history of slavery, including its horrors, its lasting consequences, and the resistance of those who were enslaved. Education should focus on cultivating empathy, critical thinking, and a commitment to justice, rather than downplaying the severity of historical atrocities.
The incident highlights the importance of recognizing the ongoing effects of slavery and racism. It demonstrates that a lack of understanding of the past can lead to the perpetuation of injustice in the present. It is essential to acknowledge the systemic inequities that still exist and to work towards a more equitable society for all. The idea that slavery was ever a viable option is not only wrong, but demonstrates a truly frightening ignorance. The Oklahoma representative’s defense of the video is a reminder of the importance of fighting against those who would rewrite history and deny the suffering of others. The American motto of, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” is the perfect retort to those who try to minimize the historical realities of slavery.