Article Analysis Essay on The Space Traders by Derrick Bell

Introduction

'The Space Traders' by Derrick Bell (Bell, 1992) provides evidence that slavery has no limits of time as it existed in the past can be seen in the present and is bound to exist in the future if there are no reforms. The reading presents the real perceptions of society regarding race with a particular focus on disregard for black people. The community believes that by using minority groups as a bargain, there is a guarantee of a better life. This paper provides a summary of the story, including the plot summary, themes and styles, and a personal reaction.

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Summary

The story is based on a fictitious narrative of space traders descending to earth to trade with Americans. This story is set in the future at a time when America's coal and oil reserves are almost exhausted, there is no concern for civil rights, there is widespread environmental pollution, the government has no money, and there are high levels of poverty among blacks, most of who are living in ghettos. The space traders thus take advantage of the situation to strike a deal with America. The agreement involves the space traders assisting America in restoring her glory and her former economic and political position in exchange with black Americans, even though there is no statement of what they plan to do with them (Day, 2017). The space traders promise to assist America in purifying the environment using chemicals, pledges to provide America with machines to produce alternative power, and promises to supply America with gold enough to enrich the country and pay off all its debts.

Different people in American society hold diverse views in regards to the deal. Most of the people apart from black Americans and businesspeople support the agreement. White voters perceive the agreement as a great idea as it would not only permanently resolve issues of race, but also make the country prosperous. Due to their long-term perception of blacks as criminals and people who drain the economy, they believe that blacks should accept the deal as a show of patriotism. Other groups that are in support of the deal include television preachers who seek to appeal to their mainly white audiences, the Congress and the president due to the realization that they require the white vote, and the Supreme Court. Businesspeople are opposed to the deal as they claim that accepting it would lead to the loss of a large number of consumers, which would have severe effects on businesses and the economy at large (Day, 2017).

On the other hand, blacks are opposed to the move because it compromises their freedom. Other groups in opposition are the Jews who are concerned that the elimination of blacks makes them the next American scapegoat and white liberals. Despite the opposition, the trade deal is accepted at the end and blacks, with their hands tied in chains and heads bowed, leave America.

Summary of Themes and Styles

Racism and Discrimination

One of the major themes of this story is racism and anti-black thinking, which leads the society to assume that all the economic and environmental problems are caused by blacks. As such, society is ready to get rid of blacks without any consideration of what happens to them after they are adopted by the slave traders. Also, the story depicts the permanent nature of slavery since the story is set in the future. The description of the trade deal is similar to the slave trade that happened in the nineteenth and twentieth century. Every decision taken by the government in the trade deal symbolizes racism, and it is the same motivation that causes whites to vote in favor of the deal (Butler, Bell, & O'hara, 2017). As such, Derrick Bell attempts to show that racism is permanent in America, though it might take different forms.

Another critical theme in the story is discrimination and how it leads to the dehumanization of minority groups in a search for profit. Blacks are discriminated against, and this is not viewed as a problem because it protects and benefits the white population in America (Butler et al. 2017). Racial discrimination is also evident in the way the aliens who are unknown to the Americans are welcomed and even allowed to trade, while blacks who have lived in America all their lives are stereotyped and discriminated. Thus, blacks end up being painted as aliens that have no place in American society.

Fiction as a Vehicle

The primary style in Bell's story is fiction. He uses science fiction to attract the attention of the audience. Derrick Bell uses fictitious characters to describe the prevalence and implications of racism in a dystopian America (Day, 2017). It is practically impossible for aliens to come to America. Also, the suggested trade deal with aliens is close to impossible, which further enhances the style. The importance of using this style is that it enables the reader to enjoy the story without feeling guilty or attacked because of the issues discussed.

Personal Reaction

In this story, Derrick Bell acknowledges the fact that ideals of racism and slavery continue to prevail today. He attempts to discuss the reality that Americans still hold prejudices and stereotypes against blacks despite the pretense that such ideas ceased to exist. The story focuses on the dark side of humanity and as such, criticizes the unfairness that exists in the society. I believe that this dark side is the accurate representation of humanity, and the depiction is thus accurate.

I agree with the reading on the permanence of racism and discrimination in the US and how it translates into dehumanization. Besides, I agree that it has become the nature of human beings to embrace anything that makes their lives easier regardless of the consequences. It is a general lack of decency coupled with problems that make life unbearable (Friedersdorf, 2012). Derrick's description of a future in which majority groups will treat minorities as circumstances dictate is accurate as I believe that this is the current situation.

The policy recommendations emerging from Derrick's story include the requirement for governments to criminalize racism and discrimination of any kind to protect minority groups now and in the future. This also involves the development of severe punishment for discriminatory behavior towards any minority group and a direct show of intolerance of such crimes. Additionally, there is a need to use better methods of determining policies that affect minority groups. Voting is detrimental when minority groups are involved because they do not have enough numbers, and the outcome is always evident in such an election. Therefore, such policies require the exercise of absolute power by the government and support by different human rights groups.

References

Bell, D. (1992). Space Traders. Faces at the bottom of the well, 158-94.

Butler, H. O., Bell, D., & O'hara, R. (2017). Remembering Slavery to Ensure A Black Future.

Day, H. (2017). Afterlives of Slavery. Retrieved from https://afterlivesofslavery.wordpress.com/literature/the-space-traders/

Friedersdorf, C (2012). The Sci-Fi Story that Offends Oversensitive White Conservatives. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/03/the-sci-fi-story-that-offends-oversensitive-white-conservatives/254232/