'By her unnatural and despicable conduct': motherhood and concubinage in the Watchman and Jamaica Free Press, 1830–1833. (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ono-George, Meleisa
• Is Part Of: Slavery & abolition. Volume 38:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 356
• Page End: 372
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Slavery -- Periodicals; Slavery -- Emancipation -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 306.36205
• DOI: 10.1080/0144039X.2017.1317029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-039X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: From the spring of 1830, the Kingston-based newspaper, Watchman and Jamaica Free Press, published a series of articles discussing the prevalence of interracial concubinage throughout the island of Jamaica. While many discussed concubines as the victims of white men's lust, equally discussed was the role that mothers had in the continuation of this practice and the degradation of their children. Amid the movement for the abolition of slavery, respectable members of the free community of colour discussed concubines who engaged in interracial sex as unfit mothers and a hindrance to the social progress of the larger community of colour.