"Black People were 3/5's a person" Lie that is so Popular.

[Anonymous]

I have heard way too many people, both in real life, in TV interviews, and even from supposed news sources where people allegedly have brains--"Black people were counted as 3/5s a person in the USA!"

https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/08/21/we-used-to-count-black-americans-as-35-of-a-person-instead-of-reparations-give-them-53-of-a-vote/

As someone who actually learned history, (granted, a Bachelor's these days is basically a high school diploma) I want to correct this idiocy.

The Constitution absolutely has the 3/5ths compromise. Simply put, for represenative purposes, when counting populations for the House of Representatives (The House goes by population in the state, and the Senate gives each state 2 reps whether big or small) slaves were counted as 3/5ths of a person. Why?

Simple. States that outlawed slavery wanted slaves to count as nothing in population representation. Why? This would give slave states less power in the House, and give free states MORE power. AKA, this move would have been a blow to the institution of legal slavery in the USA.

The slave owning states in the USA wanted slaves to count as regular people. Why? This would have given them MORE power in the House. AKA, if you wanted to help the legality of slavery, this would have helped them. After all, they could literally count their slaves as votes (pretty sure slaves didn't have the freedom to vote, much less do what they wanted with their lives.) and meanwhile the more slaves those states imported, the more political power they would gain, a circle enriching themselves.

The 3/5ths compromise was struck and when populations were counted, slaves only counted as 3/5ths of a person. Why? The Free States didn't their way and have slaves not count... but the Slave States didn't get their way and have slaves fully count to boost their power. Hence, compromise--neither party completely won.

The people today who argue "The USA only counted black people as 3/5ths a person!" Are either A. Ignorant, or B. Liars. Counting slaves as a full person in representation numbers--or arguing that slaves SHOULD have counted as a full person in representation numbers--is something that only a pro slavery person would do. NOT counting slaves for House Representation numbers would have been FAR better than the 3/5ths compromise, and counting slaves as a full person for Representation numbers would have been far WORSE unless you are a KKK member or a lying race baitor.

[HighValue]

As someone that passed the CSET (CA educator's competency exams) on my first attempt, and teaches, I concur that you are correct.

[MentorMan]

About?

[Wade12345]

Um... this is taught in every American History course in the 7th grade. You don't need a college degree to know this.

[MentorMan]

@Wade12345 see my main comment. I’m wondering which of the OP’s assertions you are concurring with.

[MentorMan]

Structurally, your piece starts out calling a particular phrase a lie, then roughly accurately summarizes the history of the phrase in a way that on the surface seems to validate the phrase.

Assertion: the phrase “black people were counted as 3/5ths of a person” is a lie.

Evidence: summary of 3/5ths clause which indicates that black slaves were counted as 3/5ths of a person for purposes of weight of representation in congress (and taxation but that’s a whole different issue).

Conclusion: Disconnected commentary on the possible differences if black slaves weren’t counted at all or were counted in full for purposes of representation.

While I’m sure some small (but nonzero) percentage of the promulgation of misinterpretations of the 3/5ths clause is intentional (and thus classifiable as lies), I suspect the majority of cases are just that, misinterpretation leading to misunderstanding (so the ignorance label might apply).

I didn’t see any connections made between the premise of your writeup and any cases of the misinterpretation being used intentionally (lie) or unintentionally (ignorance) in some malicious or counterproductive manner. There probably are, probably plenty, but referencing examples of that would fill in the (seemingly) missing “why does this matter” part of your writeup.

I see the hook in your title. I see your assertion that the “black people were counted as 3/5ths of a person” statement some people erroneously make is a lie. I don’t see -why- you assert that those statements are made “as lies” (vs “in error”). I know why I think the propagation of such misinformation is bad but I don’t see your reasoning for why the misinformation (lie, error, or otherwise) is a bad thing to “prove” your initial assertion. I don’t quite get what your intent was in the part regarding the theoretical effects of fully counting enslaved black people or not counting them at all. That part seems like it was meant to be connected with the misinformation idea, but the missing context of impact leaves the last few lines feeling like a disjointed afterthought.

Add in some references to examples demonstrating why the propagation of this misinformation is harmful, connect the assertion of “lies” to them, move the <or at least ignorance> assertion up to the title for clarity and accuracy, and connect that last bit to something in the references you find to bridge them to the assertions. Then you’ll have something that not only helps people realize there is error in the “3/5ths of person” language being repeated, but also helps them understand -why- that is a bad thing.

Cheers!

Also, here you go:

THE THREE-FIFTHS CLAUSE OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (1787)

[MentorMan]

blackpast org/african-american-history/events-african-american-history/three-fifths-clause-united-states-constitution-1787/

[Avicenna]

Not only that, but it wasn't until the 1828 presidential election (approximately the halfway point between the first presidential election and the first election black males could vote in) that even white males who didn't own property could vote in.

The Post's suggestion is unconstitutional and violates the principle of "one person, one vote".

[Anonymous]

HONESTLY I feel like black Americans SHOULD STOP looking validation from people who are genetically WEAKER than them.
. All of this Fake social constructs were put in place to make Black people forget or doubt WHO THEY really are.
.
. Ask yourself these valid QUESTIONS... why are they soooo Afraid of Black people? Why are they hell bent on spreading hate towards Black people. Why are they always researching US AND OUR HISTORY. WHY can't THEY MIND THEIR BUSINESS? why is SKIN COLOR SUCH AN OBESSION FOR THEM?
The proof is in the pudding 🍮

[Tjw78]

If someone were to say the exact same thing and replace black with white would you consider it racist?

[Opinion Owner]

Have you asked yourself those questions love? Skin color only became a thing by your ancestors... ask yourself WHY?

[Markie-mark]

We're scared cause it's mostly you guys who chimp out and attack people like roided monkeys, mass shootings ain't got shit on the everyday Martin Luther King boulevard shooting or the sucker punches your men throw when people turn their backs on them. We know to never relax around Blacks

[Opinion Owner]

When you are done ranting... ask yourself those Questions beloved 😉

[Markie-mark]

I'm not doing what you tell me to

[Markie-mark]

You blocked me, huh?

[Opinion Owner]

Why would I block you sir? 🤣 what have you done to offend me?

[Markie-mark]

I got your ass good that's for sure that's why you went quiet lmao

[Opinion Owner]

Lmaooo if you say so 🤣🤣🤣🤣... here's a cookie 🍪

[Markie-mark]

I'm good, I don't want anything that touched your hands

[Tjw78]

How can I answer those questions when they don't exist in my world?

[Markie-mark]

@Tjw78 remember, they want you dead cause they have no history, couldn't even invent a written language or wheel

[Opinion Owner]

Ok Karen 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Why so angry 🥲

[Markie-mark]

Why no son, girl?

[Opinion Owner]

When you're Done... Ask yourself those questions lmao oh and please, can you be so kind to share your answers 🙃🙃🙃

[Tjw78]

I can't share my answers because I can't put any of it into context. Who is the "they" that you are referring to? I can't answer for anyone else, but can make statements based on context that is relatable to me. I am not afraid of black people. I don't spread hate towards anyone. I don't research history based on race. I tend to mind my own business unless I feel I should speak up. I don't care about skin color, just the character of the person.

[Opinion Owner]

@Tjw78 Thank you for your response! I can understand that, as for me I don't hate people based on skin color either. I asked those questions because coming from the Caribbean there has never been any focus on our skin color. Since being here in America skin color seems to be AMERICAS BIGGEST ISSUE. And I find myself asking... why are people so focused on skin color, why does that determine how you treat someone. Also I don't like the fact that Americans act like their education is top tier but on the other hand, they act dumb when these topics arise, like there isn't history proving what was stated in this post! Why are folks so triggered about just being honest!

[Tjw78]

Are you saying that based on your own personal experience or based on media? If that is the America you are looking for than that is the America that will find you.

[Opinion Owner]

That's Based on my personal experience as well as what I see. Now I know there are genuinely good people out there in every color and every corner of this earth. It's just that pointing out the bad shouldn't be a bad thing either.

[Tjw78]

I agree that there is nothing wrong with pointing out the bad, but it has to be done in the right way. I disagree with making statements towards a group of people based off of people's actions that they have no control over.

[Opinion Owner]

But that group is WHO the topic is about right now...

[Markie-mark]

@Tjw78 you're getting no wherr with this sheboon, grovelling and apologizing is not doing you any favors

[joeldalton]

Genetically weaker but able to subjugate an entire continent. hm...

[7barbieringz]

The issue isn't whether or not they counted as people but rather that they were treated inhumanely on every level but then used as pawns for politics.

The country doesn't even view tham as people but yet wants to use their lives as bargaining chips. It's a moral issue, not a logical issue.

[myTake Owner]

The issue is the truth and fact vs lies.

And yes, obviously everyone knows slavery was bad. Another interesting fact is only 5% of slaves went to north America, and that capturing and selling slaves was a huge business for Africans in Africa--even Henry Louis gateman said the slave trade was only possible on the scale it existed at because of African slave traders.

[7barbieringz]

Yea you clearly don't really know what your talking about. Anyone who jumps to "well Africans sold slaves" is already just backwards. The thing is, that in Africa slavery was VERY different than in America. In Africa it was more like being a maid, where u still got human rights and basic respect, and your slavery was a debt u were paying of so it wasn't going to last your entire life. In America on the other hand slaves were stripped of all humanity, treated like cattle, whipped like dogs, raped, starved, and could never be free, the list goes on. It is not a "lying vs truth" issue. The fact is slaves were stripped of all humanity then treated like pawns in politics to give white men more power. So like is said slavery is a moral issue. people like you who try to belittle it to logic or money are part of the problem. Coming from a BLACK WOMAN.

[Markie-mark]

Slavery treated as a debt? Dumbass, the slavery that comes tribal warfare was anything but just labor, no doubt there was rape and inhumane tactics used to break their spirit and if it's to be considered they learned from their previous Islamic slave masters, probably neutered the enemy tribesmen and raped the women. You could be a Black person from anywhere in the modern world but the truth also stands, you yourself didn't experience whatever your ancestors did, not on the level you think

[7barbieringz]

Ah yes another white person telling me that since I didn't experience slavery 9m not effected by it every day through systematic racism. Also where are your sources? U can't just say someone is wrong because u don't like it. I can like you PLENTY of articles explaining the difference between the types of slavery. You can't "assume" Africans raped and tortured, the same way whites did with absolutely no proof. The FACT is Africans sold other African not knowing who horrendous they'd be treated because they had a different way of treating slaves (aka human beings)

[Markie-mark]

You're right that other African tribes didn't know what could be waiting but they were already under control of Islamic kingdoms like I told you and being in those situations in the past, I'm sure Sub-Saharan African tribes kept note of how to deal with enemies once the Islamic kingdoms fizzled out, essentially they realized male slaves weren't worth keeping as they're from enemy tribes; You could even see this conflict today in the Black community, separation of dark black skin with light skin, that's the same lines that were and still are drawn in rural Africa today between clans. As for linking articles, you can show me a whole a composed synthesis and it'd leave quite a bit of holes (like why are African tribes still separated today and have such animosity for eachother) if the treatment wasn't as brutal as Africans under European control

[7barbieringz]

"you're right that other Africans didn't know" that's it. Be quiet. You just admitted you're wrong. Typing "but" then a bunch of meaningless nonsense doesn't change that fact. No go away. I'm sure you voted Trump.

[Markie-mark]

Little girl I didn't admit shit I was wrong beside your coconut headed mainlanders don't know, you didn't say anything to prove they weren't doing exactly as I described 😂

[Markie-mark]

"Sure you voted for trump", you don't even know the half if you think voting would get me what I want

[Agagagagaga]

@7barbieringz Africans are still enslaving other Africans. Africans are still enslaving other Africans. Africans are still enslaving other Africans. Africans are still enslaving other Africans. Africans are still enslaving other Africans.

Did you get that? Did it get through?

[Markie-mark]

@Agagagagaga She isn't gonna get it through her flat, negroidal, brain, she doesn't care about her African folk back on the mainland, she just wants gibs and undeserved sympathy

[7barbieringz]

The racist are mad and hiding behind the internet. I really don't care what bigots have to say. Also did u know that the loser in the argument always goes for insulting instead of facts? Lol looks like the whole shoe store fit

[Markie-mark]

@7barbieringz only the shoes that fit are the clown shoes on your man-sized feet, negress

[7barbieringz]

Don't care what bigots have to say 👞

[Markie-mark]

DoNt CaRE wHaT bIgoTS hAvE tO SaY

[vald9inches]

Nothing justifies slavery you morons. 🤦🤦🤦 Also black communities are notoriously repressed and kept into poverty since the Emancipation. You have to be willfully blind living under a rock no to see it. Today it's just been rebranded as class warfare. I really do wish the Black Panthers party took over the US they would have made it a way better country then it's sad excuse it is today.

[Lliam]

Good MyTake.
How long did the 3/5 rule last. Was it ended with emancipation or did it continue through the years of segregation?

[myTake Owner]

The 3/5ths compromise only applied to slaves... outlawing slavery made it null and void.

[Lliam]

Ahhh. Makes sense. Thanks.

[Markie-mark]

at least not worth breeding enemy tribes members to slave away for them, they cut their balls off and worked them to bitter death

[Uptowngirl88]

Are u ok mini 🍌? Do black men make u insecure about your mini me?

[Jamie05rhs]

You're missing the point. Enslaved people still had no rights and they couldn't vote.

[myTake Owner]

Actually I'm not missing the point. People lie that the constitution said black people were only 3/5ths of a person. That is a lie.

[Jamie05rhs]

I know exactly what you mean. I read your entire essay and I agree with it. I still think you're missing the overall point, though.

[myTake Owner]

The overall point is the left and black people hate White people and any idea of White America. So facts don't matter to them and they will happily lie.

[Jamie05rhs]

What is "White America"?

[Birdlegs]

The whole point of this was just to point out the reason for the 3/5ths compromise. Everyone knows slaves couldn’t vote this mytake is only talking about the 3/5ths comprise itself tho

[Anonymous]

holllllld up, now. People here don't much like it when someone brings up factual information about slavery. I guess you can tell by some of the comments already. 🤣

[OddBeMe]

Yeah not sure which is worse honestly. Like today not counting illegal immigrants as humans when we commit “human rights abuses” at the border.

[WhitneySnow]

I think I already knew that

[EffaMan]

No comment :)

[fireforeffect]

And your point is?