The Untold Story: Drapetomania and Its Place in Black History

Drapetomania is a term that was coined in the 19th century by American physician Samuel A. Cartwright. He described it as a supposed mental illness that caused enslaved African Americans to flee from captivity. Cartwright's concept was rooted in a racist understanding of slavery, framing the desire for freedom as a pathological condition rather than a rational response to the brutal realities of enslavement.

The term reflects the dehumanizing attitudes of the time, portraying the quest for freedom as a form of insanity. It is now recognized as an example of how science was misused to justify the institution of slavery and to vilify those who sought liberation. The idea of drapetomania has since been discredited and serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which people went to rationalize and support the institution of slavery.

This historical context highlights the importance of understanding the impact of racism and the misuse of medical and psychological concepts in perpetuating systemic oppression.