Escape to Freedom: A Black Slave's Journey to Success in Europe
In an alternate reality, you wake up to find yourself as a black slave on a plantation in the American South during the height of the slave trade. What would you do? In this fictional scenario, we explore a path that leads to freedom and success through immersion in European culture and innovation.
Europe as a Gateway to Freedom
Imagine waking up to this nightmare and deciding to take immediate action. The most rational option would be to escape to Europe as quickly as possible. American slavery was a dark chapter in history, and the racism pervasive in the South would result in a life of servitude and injustice. By moving to Europe, especially to major cities like Paris, one would encounter a much different environment. The virulent racism prevalent in the American South is nearly non-existent in early 19th century Europe, particularly in France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Germany.
Major black artists like James Baldwin and Josephine Baker found solace and success in Paris because of the way they were treated. The French government and society were more accepting and eager to appreciate the artistry and beauty that African Americans brought to their cultural landscape. In fact, the racism in Europe did not become entrenched until the 1950s, when former colonials began settling in Western European cities. Consequently, in the earlier years, black individuals, especially those from America, were considered novelties and were treated with a certain fascination and respect.
Exploring European Cities for Boundless Opportunities
Let's delve into the potential of Paris as a gateway to a better life. Paris, in particular, saw its share of black Americans drawn to its cosmopolitan atmosphere and cultural richness. The city offered numerous opportunities to preserve some measure of freedom and even flourish, as evidenced by the experiences of black American artists and intellectuals who found acceptance and success there.
In Russia, traveling to St. Petersburg presents an even more unique opportunity. Black individuals, considered exotic novelties in this expansive city, could use their unique cultural background to make a living. Their main audience would be the bored and jaded aristocracy, whose vast palaces often craved diverse and exotic elements to provide some relief from their mundane lives.
Leaps into Innovation and Prosperity
Once in Europe, the next step would be to leverage one's skills and knowledge to achieve significant success. If I found myself in this situation, I would start by teaching my English-speaking skills to wealthy Russian aristocrats with children. These families, eager to enrich their cultural repertoire and prepare their offspring for the global stage, would be ideal patrons. As a skilled communicator and educator, I would secure a comfortable living and perhaps even become a role model for generations of Russian children.
The path to true success, however, lies in innovation and invention. With a penchant for science, I would delve into the realms of electricity, telecommunications, and other emerging technologies. The basic principles of these machines, ingrained in me from my time in America, would allow me to experiment and create functional prototypes far ahead of their time. Patents would be a valuable asset, protected by European courts that did not discriminate against individuals based on race. In this way, I could become a celebrated inventor in Europe, achieving the recognition and financial stability that my situation in America denied me.
The fruits of this labor would allow me to invest wisely in the burgeoning stock market of the time. With an eye on future global events, I would allocate significant resources to sectors like agriculture and mining, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming World War. By making strategic investments, I could build a substantial fortune that would ensure a comfortable and successful life both during and after the revolution.
This hypothetical journey from slavery to prosperity demonstrates not only the historical opportunities and injustices the enslaved faced but also the transformative power of education, innovation, and strategic thinking. In the face of such monumental challenges, the human spirit can and does find pathways to success and freedom.