Meaning: This quote, attributed to Jupiter Hammon, a prominent African American poet and essayist of the 18th century, reflects a sentiment deeply rooted in the historical context of slavery in America. Hammon, who was born into slavery in Long Island, New York, in 1711, used his literary talents to advocate for the rights and humanity of African Americans. The quote conveys the idea that the happiness and well-being of enslaved individuals were contingent upon the approval and satisfaction of their masters, who held power and control over every aspect of their lives.

In the context of slavery, the relationship between masters and enslaved individuals was characterized by an extreme power imbalance. Enslaved individuals were considered the property of their masters, who had the authority to dictate every aspect of their lives, including their basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. The quote underscores the harsh reality that the fundamental needs and comforts of the enslaved population were entirely dependent on the whims and decisions of those who held power over them.

The phrase "we cannot be happy, unless we please them" encapsulates the pervasive psychological and emotional burden experienced by the enslaved individuals. Their happiness and well-being were intrinsically tied to the approval and satisfaction of their masters, creating a perpetual state of vulnerability and subservience. This dynamic reinforced the notion that the enslaved population had to constantly strive to meet the expectations of their masters in order to secure even the most basic necessities of life.

Hammon's use of the term "masters" in the quote is significant, as it emphasizes the entrenched hierarchy and domination inherent in the institution of slavery. The term "masters" not only denotes ownership and control but also signifies the pervasive influence that slaveholders held over every aspect of the lives of the enslaved individuals. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the dehumanizing and oppressive conditions under which enslaved individuals lived, where their agency and autonomy were severely restricted, and their happiness was contingent upon the whims of those who wielded power over them.

Furthermore, the quote sheds light on the insidious nature of the psychological manipulation and coercion that characterized the master-slave relationship. Enslaved individuals were compelled to prioritize the appeasement and satisfaction of their masters in order to secure their own well-being, perpetuating a cycle of subjugation and compliance. The quote underscores the emotional and mental toll exacted by the system of slavery, highlighting the profound impact of living under constant scrutiny and the pressure to conform to the expectations of those in power.

In conclusion, Jupiter Hammon's quote encapsulates the profound impact of the master-slave relationship on the happiness and well-being of enslaved individuals. It serves as a powerful testament to the pervasive influence and control wielded by masters over every aspect of the lives of the enslaved population, highlighting the enduring legacy of oppression and dehumanization inherent in the institution of slavery. Hammon's poignant words continue to resonate as a reminder of the enduring resilience and strength of those who endured such oppression, and as a call to acknowledge and confront the historical injustices perpetuated by the institution of slavery.