You might be a ‘modern-day slave’
N o one really wants to identify with being a slave? Can you look in the mirror and ask yourself, are you a slave? Before you dismiss the question, take a moment to re ect. Do you believe that all slaves are Black? How would you describe a slave? If your mind immediately pictures someone in chains, wearing tattered clothes, and singing sorrowful hymns in the _elds, then you may not fully understand the true nature of slavery.
Slavery did not end with the Emancipation Proclamation or the abolition of forced labor in various countries. It simply evolved. Today’s slaves no longer wear burlap sacks or work on plantations. They are polished, well-groomed, and often sit in high-rise of_ce buildings, working long hours with little to no control over their lives.
Slavery, at its core, is about control and the lack of freedom to make decisions for oneself. It is not just about physical bondage but also mental, _nancial, and societal restrictions that keep individuals trapped in a cycle of obedience and dependency. A slave is anyone who must take orders, whether for free, for little pay, or even for six _gures, without the ability to truly determine their fate. If you think slavery is only about unpaid labor, think again.
The modern workforce operates in a way that mirrors historical slavery in many aspects. While workers today may receive paychecks, many are still bound by obligations that strip them of their personal freedoms. They wake up, clock in, take orders, suppress their thoughts, and submit to rules that bene_t their employers more than themselves.
Unlike the slaves of the past, today’s workforce is given just enough compensation to survive, yet not enough to be free. The golden handcuffs of high salaries, health bene_ts, and promotions create the illusion of success while keeping individuals trapped in a cycle of dependency. Even those who volunteer their time for free or work tirelessly in demanding careers often do so out of obligation, societal pressure, or the belief that they have no other choice.
They may not be bound by physical chains, but their _nancial responsibilities, societal expectations, and fear of instability keep them shackled just the same. Gone are the days of sunken eyes and worn-out clothes as stereo typical visuals of enslavement. Today’s slaves drive nice cars, wear designer suits, and hold prestigious titles, yet they remain mentally and _nancially captive. They follow orders, work tirelessly, and sacri_ce their personal dreams for the bene_t of those in power.
They sit in executive suites, government of_ces, and high-ranking positions, believing they have achieved freedom, yet they remain trapped in the same system that enslaves others. They cannot walk away without consequences. They cannot speak freely without risking their livelihood. They cannot refuse without punishment. Slavery will always exist because as long as there are people willing to be controlled, there will be those eager to control them.
The reality is that many individuals have the ability to break free but choose not to. They cling to comfort, fear the unknown, and accept their place in the system because it is easier than _ghting for true freedom. True freedom is not just the ability to work, earn, and survive, it is the ability to choose, to own one’s decisions, and to live without external control.
Many people have the legal right to be free, yet they act as if they are still in bondage. They remain in toxic jobs, abusive relationships, and oppressive social structures because they have been conditioned to believe there is no other way. To break free, one must _rst recognize their enslavement. They must understand that their time, energy, and choices are valuable and should not be dictated by systems designed to bene_t others at their expense.
Are you a slave? If you _nd yourself living for someone else’s agenda, trapped by _nancial obligations, or afraid to take control of your own destiny, then perhaps the answer is yes. But unlike the past, modern slaves have the power to free themselves! If they are willing to take the risk and reclaim their lives. Always know you can be “FREE”.You are not on Wi-_! Stop looking for a connection to keep you chained. Claim your freedom!
Sherry Holliman is a concerned citizen of Crittenden County and has some views on a variety of topics that she wants to share with her neighbors. She previously served on the Marion City Council.
Sherry Holliman
Community Commentary
