Barbados History of Slavery
INTRODUCTION:
Meet Yardfowl, the unfiltered voice in Rogues in Paradise who shines a severe light on the reality of Barbados' colonial past. His words unwind the complexities of a dark history, questioning how the island came to terms with its colonial legacy.
Insights:
Challenging History's Glorification. Throughout the book, Yardfowl takes offense at any effort to soften or romanticize the colonial past. His sharp, unyielding voice contrasts greatly with those who may attempt to stabilize the horrors of history with small gestures of compassion from the colonizers. For Yardfowl, even these moments are steeped in hypocrisy. One example is the story of Lawrence, a planter who freed his African fan, Elizabeth Cumberbatch, and bestowed their children a home and cash. On the surface, it might look like an act of empathy. Yet, for Yardfowl, this gesture rings hollow:
"Dat Law-rinse story seeming like dis Lawrence is some kina goodfella, but even de common Yardfowl know much better ... Law-rinse got chile with freed-slave other half and plenty more outside-chile. He done keep dem as slave till he dead and gone ... What kinda dad is dat who oppress he own chile?"
Yardfowl's fury cuts through any romanticization of the past. For him, there is no separating moments of compassion from the brutality of the system. Lawrence's choice to release his kids just after his death is nothing except ethical cowardice to Yardfowl-- a failure to confront his misdeeds while alive.
Read Yardfowls' Blog for More Details
Experience Yardfowl's defiance in Rogues in Paradise, as he takes on the harsh truths of Barbados' colonial past. His undeviating voice promotes justice. Discover Yardfowl's journey →
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