Is this the beginning of a reassessment of slavery? In seeing strength where weakness has been emphasized? Unfortunately, these pieces lack enough context to understand the sentiments expressed:

"When I look at the history of slavery, I see positive, not negative," Bates said. "Yes, it cannot be condoned, but we must look it in the face."

Here is another one: "To say that I'm ashamed of slavery is like saying I'm ashamed of my own mother."