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Gomez begins this chapter by discussing the Sierra Leone region of Africa and the Europeans effects on it. It is well known by now that the concept of race is one that the Europeans themselves created, however, as Gomez states, the concept of ethnicities were also formed after Europeans made contact with the Sierra Leonians, especially in regards to looks (Gomez 89). From these tribes and groups grew rivalries, which in turn led to wars and conflicts. These conflicts helped to perpetuate the slave trade, as captured tribes would be sold into captivity. It became so volatile that it was “regarded by the slave traders as a paradise” (Gomez 90). As some tribes grew together and sometimes formed polities, as in the case of Jallon (Gomez 92). This was because the introduction of trade, specifically the slave trade, had caused a change in social structure. Tribes began to form alliances, which they had not previously done.
The author also argues that in turn, the Sierra Leonians affected the New World due to their social structures. The roles of each gender varied highly depending on the society within Sierra Leone, with some, such as the Senufo, regarding women in a higher regard in society and government (Gomez 97). Gomez argues that many of these structures simply could not continue to exist in the New World for a multitude of reasons. Although tribes and groups were able to carry on some of their traditions, the drastic change in environment was not kind to the different cultures. However, one structure that did remain was the conflicts between tribes. As Gomez points out, certain groups were looked down upon in the New World, such as the Geechee (Gomez 104).
My colleague Marissa Cervantes argues that women were more sought after because of their roles in Sierra Leone societies, which I largely agree with. As previously stated, women were given more power in many Sierra Leone societies, especially the Akan society (Gomez 110). Likewise, she argues that this was because of sweeping generalizations, which I also agree with. Europeans favored certain tribes in Sierra Leone because of their generalization of knowledge useful areas, especially agriculture with the Akans (Gomez 110). Overall, Gomez argues that Europeans affected Sierra Leone, and in turn, Sierra Leonians affected the New World.