This is a little mind-bending. What? Descendants of American slaves have as much claim to Shakespeare, Chaucer, Donne, Harding, Dickens, and the aristocracy of Merry Olde England, as do I? No, probably more claim, since my English ancestors (representing 1/4 of genetic make-up, we think) were likely from lower classes than were yours. On the other hand, maybe some of that blue blood got into our stream in similar ways. What protection did housemaids and other common folk have in England of the 1100s, 1200s, 1300s, 1400s, 1500s, etc., if an aristocrat took a shine to them? Here comes the blue blood. And - oh, can fortune be this good - the miscreants who did this were not the bastards! That proud title was reserved for the children they created! Hadn't occurred to me, until now, that everyone's blood lines are bound to be supplemented in this manner. This observation is not meant to diminish the enormity that was American slavery. It's just an observation triggered by contemplating certain realities of slavery. Other streams: probably shared Viking blood, as there's a Danish connection. And a German connection. And a Czech connection from the vicinity of Prague. Those, with English, are the 4 streams we think make our Ocean. But what are the mysteries in each stream? To my knowledge, none of us have taken the DNA plunge.
I loved this comment and my apologies for taking so long to respond. Of course, many a nobleman who developed a weakness for the alluring chambermaid. And vice versa. Humans will be humans. I would wager you a candy bar that over 90% of descendants of American slaves are descendants of European royalty, at least. The bloodlines of Rollo the Viking King, William the Conqueror and Charlemagne will not be denied! Imagine if we viewed everyone through the lens of their genetic lines?
We would have to cast away narratives that make no bloodline sense. Loved your artful play with words here!
This is a little mind-bending. What? Descendants of American slaves have as much claim to Shakespeare, Chaucer, Donne, Harding, Dickens, and the aristocracy of Merry Olde England, as do I? No, probably more claim, since my English ancestors (representing 1/4 of genetic make-up, we think) were likely from lower classes than were yours. On the other hand, maybe some of that blue blood got into our stream in similar ways. What protection did housemaids and other common folk have in England of the 1100s, 1200s, 1300s, 1400s, 1500s, etc., if an aristocrat took a shine to them? Here comes the blue blood. And - oh, can fortune be this good - the miscreants who did this were not the bastards! That proud title was reserved for the children they created! Hadn't occurred to me, until now, that everyone's blood lines are bound to be supplemented in this manner. This observation is not meant to diminish the enormity that was American slavery. It's just an observation triggered by contemplating certain realities of slavery. Other streams: probably shared Viking blood, as there's a Danish connection. And a German connection. And a Czech connection from the vicinity of Prague. Those, with English, are the 4 streams we think make our Ocean. But what are the mysteries in each stream? To my knowledge, none of us have taken the DNA plunge.
I loved this comment and my apologies for taking so long to respond. Of course, many a nobleman who developed a weakness for the alluring chambermaid. And vice versa. Humans will be humans. I would wager you a candy bar that over 90% of descendants of American slaves are descendants of European royalty, at least. The bloodlines of Rollo the Viking King, William the Conqueror and Charlemagne will not be denied! Imagine if we viewed everyone through the lens of their genetic lines?
We would have to cast away narratives that make no bloodline sense. Loved your artful play with words here!