Sunday, October 4, 2015

Drapetomania




Before the American civil war, some psychiatrists diagnosed many slaves with a condition called 'drapetomania': "A mental illness, in which the slave possessed, an irrational desire for freedom and a tendency to try and escape."
_____________________

Drapetomania is even more relevant today. 

There are more people in slavery today than ever in the history of our world. Slavery is now more sophisticated and is indulged in with the passive support of governments and businesses.

Further, circumstances created by modern society and 'civilisation', under the yoke of some 'ism or the other, capitalism, communism, state-ism, racism, organised religion, exploitative employers, unhappy families and relationships,intrusive/oppressive governments etc.

Many amongst us wish to escape. Unfortunately most stressed people have only a vague idea about what they want to escape from and how. 

Only a person who is able to reflect will be able to discover themselves and then only know what to do next and how. Quiet time with oneself is the greatest balm and also the trigger for planning future actions.
        _____________________



Drapetomania' first described by American physician Samuel A. Cartwright in 1851 is today considered an example of pseudoscience and part of the edifice of scientific racism