Sophisticated Slavery

About the Book

Sophisticated Slavery is a book of poetry that tells and shows the impact of slavery and freedom on people's lives. Take a look at the language from the beginning to the end, as well as the history and the historical events, from slavery to a more sophisticated kind of slavery called freedom. The language changes as the slaves become more educated - as they (people) are still becoming educated onto another level every day. First, they are not allowed to have a book in their possession, later they are taught and allowed to read. Ignorance is a weapon that works against a person's psyche and emotions. It tends to lead to low self-esteem, low self-worth, and ultimately brainwash. In Sophisticated Slavery, one is able to see the progression from being unlearned/untaught to being educated and brainwashed. And it is still prevalent today. This book will speak to generations to come.

About the Author

M. A. Stevens, born and raised in the South amidst the advent of various forms of freedom, as a little girl, I felt the difference among my people. We were as outcasts in a progressing world. My parents knew the value of education and sent all of their eight children to school to be taught and "make" a better living for ourselves. I did not know what “picking” cotton was until my parents were taking me to college and I saw people in the fields. I did not know what "cropping" tobacco was until I asked to be allowed to go with my friends on the back of the truck that used to come in the neighborhood to pick them up to go to work. Nor did I understand that I was the "lucky" one when I did go to work on the "Beach" riding a bus filled with people so happy to go to work without the hope of benefits, and no days off. These poems reflect those experiences and memories. Now I see the same things happening and I believe that God has encouraged me to submit this manuscript "for such a time as this".