Beginning of Essay
Our readings blamed crime on: (1) social, physical and/or political environments; (2) lack of education; (3) joblessness; (4) injustice; (5) inequalities; (6) the lack of religious upbringing; and (7) psychological defects, including genetic disorders. I think th ....

Middle of Essay
.... their white owners. They were, on the whole, by most historical accounts, a very civil, obedient and law abiding people. They were better citizens than their educated, well-fed owners. Why? Some may say fear. Fear of Massah? Or maybe, the slave owners? Perhaps to a degree. Fear certainly is a motivator. I do not think the average American criminal is much afraid of the law or society, today. Society is not their master. So I concede that fear will work, to a point. But only to a point and it really wasn't fear that made the slaves into decent people. I contend that it was more than fear that made the slaves of our history the way they wer ....