John Brown; An Individual Whose Legacy Splits Opinion

Instructor:
Institution:
English
Date:
John Brown
Introduction
History has an interesting way of superimposing events and the people who orchestrated them, into one profound lesson. This is especially the case, with American history. There are figures and events in the nation’s history that played crucial roles in shaping the present state of the world’s greatest democracy. From bloody battles and their heads, to great leaders and their legacies, there is certainly a lot to be learnt from history. One such example, was John Brown; an individual whose legacy splits opinion. He continues to attract as much hatred as admiration from critics and the public alike. He was a radical abolitionist who took it as a personal mission to fight slavery in whichever way possible, and even more specifically, through violence. In the eyes of the Blacks who suffered the brunt of slavery, he was a hero, a savior. In the eyes of the whites who advocated for the slavery, he was the Devil’s advocate, a man who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. In view of his acts, John Brown can be considered a combination of a calculated terrorist, a traitor, a religious and political warrior, as well as a religious warrior.
Discussion
Brown had taken up numerous personalities in his life; from a businessman to a lands prospector. Much of his business endeavors had failed. He however came to the fore during the various incidences of racism. Brown’s religious drive towards the anti-slavery movement was pushed by his belief in the bible verse, “…without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin…” (Hebrews 9:22).The letter he sent to his wife while in prison, also illustrates his religious beliefs,”… I feel quite cheerful in the assurance that God reigns; & will overrule all for his glory…” (John Brown, "Letters to His Family."). He was a strong believer in the fact that the reprieve for terrible crimes was through bloodshed. He maimed whites, decapitating and dismembering their bodies, in retaliation to the racist acts that were being committed by other whites. These acts clearly painted him as a religious warrior as well as a calculated terrorist.
During the time, racism and slavery was a normality, especially in the south. Blacks were often taken as part of one’s possession, and therefore, treated quite inhumanely. These slave owners were ruthless and bloodthirsty, raping women and young girls as well as beating up and castrating young bl...