Allison Wiltz, I agree with you. Killing or harming a wild animal does not evoke the same responses in people as opposed to killing or harming a cute, blonde, blue-eyed child. So the rule is simple, just take away Black peoples humanity and view them as "animal-like." That would then "justify," enslavement, racism, violence etc against them. After all, "normal" humans if given a choice to chain a child or dog would choose the dog to chain. Same applies to Black people, "if you don't "see," my humanity then I am only a beast and thus your brutality and exploitation is "justified."
We need to understand that through colonialism et Al, these people made themselves feel better by justifying the most horrendous acts on us and our people.
Great article and so needed in today's world.