Voodoo was a common practice during the Haitian Revolution, and also still popular in parts of Haiti and New Orleans. During the Haitian Revolution, black slaves had used this religion to create a sense of unity amongst them and gave them confidence through sacrifice and ritual offerings. It helped them in feeling that they had something of their own, which is where this religion came from. Black slaves used it as a way of being connected to one another, swearing oaths of secrecy and revenge. Also, voodoo incorporated many Enlightenment ideas as well such as freedom and equality.
However, in today's society, voodoo is another religion and way of life/religion. Today's society still has voodoo as one of its many religions and beliefs, however, voodoo is looked upon in a negative way in today's culture. Many people question the practices as being unethical and immoral, which include sacrifices and offerings to their gods. These sacrifices may not only be of small pieces of food and animals, but can actually sometimes include humans. The religion is based on aggression and revenge on the aggressive people in the world. When an individual is born, it is said that they are in the evil class on earth, and to become good, they must swear to gain revenge on the evil side. Many people are intolerant of such a religion, based on such violence and tension between people. The use of "voodoo dolls" is a common and well-known practice in the religion, using them to hurt other individuals that you are not in favor with. Is this moral? Do you think it is ok to be revengeful and hateful towards evil? Does this make you evil itself? Was it appropriate during the Haitian Revolution or not?
I think that this kind of religion was appropriate during the Haitian Revolution, because the black slaves put the title of "evil" on the white people who would not grant them liberty, freedom, or equality creating a base of revenge and hate for the religion. The black slaves believed themselves to be the positive force, which I agree with, for without this first abolition of slavery, other nations would have difficulty in accepting a society where everyone is equal. It was appropriate in a way that it allowed the black slaves to have the determination to be able to fight the white population, as they were lacking much support. The only ones who had support the slaves honestly were the slaves themselves, so giving themselves a cause and reasoning behind it coming from religion was good for them and the revolution. Spain had helped the slaves, but not caring for the slaves, but for corruption and chaos in French society. Voodoo religion was able to give the black slaves something to believe in and was able to give them the motivation to be able to keep the revolution going until they were able to finally achieve the abolition of slavery in 1804.
