Ep 8. Children of Pride

In episode 8 of Frontline's first season, titled "Children of Pride," viewers are transported back to the 19th century to explore the lives of the enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the Butler plantation in Georgia. The episode is centered around the publication of the book "The Children of Pride," which was written by the Butler family's daughter, Sarah Morgan, and chronicles her family's experiences during the Civil War.

Through interviews with historians and descendants of the Butler family and their enslaved workers, the episode explores the complex relationships that existed between slave owners and the people they enslaved. Viewers are introduced to a number of individuals, both white and black, who lived and worked on the plantation, including Robert Butler, the patriarch of the family; his wife Fanny; and Sarah Morgan, the diary-keeper whose writings form the basis of the episode.

The episode is divided into several segments, each of which focuses on a different aspect of life on the plantation. One segment explores the harsh realities of slavery, as viewers learn about the backbreaking labor that the enslaved individuals were forced to perform and the brutal punishments they endured when they disobeyed their masters. Another segment focuses on the relationships that existed between the white members of the Butler family and their enslaved workers, highlighting the contradictions and complexities of these relationships.

Throughout the episode, viewers are also given insight into the mindset of the Butler family and other slave owners of the time. They learn about the justifications and rationalizations that were used to justify slavery, and the ways in which the white members of the Butler family saw themselves as benevolent guardians of their enslaved workers.

At the heart of the episode, however, is the story of Sarah Morgan and her family. Through Morgan's diary entries, viewers are given a glimpse into the daily life of the Butler plantation, as well as the emotional and psychological toll that the Civil War took on the family. Morgan's writing is poignant and insightful, offering a unique perspective on a time and place that is often overlooked in history books.

Ultimately, "Children of Pride" is a sobering reminder of the horrors of slavery and the profound impact that it had on both the enslaved individuals and the white slave owners who controlled their lives. With powerful storytelling and insightful analysis, the episode provides a nuanced and thought-provoking look at a difficult chapter in American history.