When Thomas Jefferson Wrote That "Blacks

question 6

Multiple Choice

When Thomas Jefferson wrote that "Blacks, ... are inferior to the Whites, in the endowments both of body and mind," he called it a "suspicion only." What might be a plausible interpretation of his meaning?

• A) Jefferson uses the word "suspicion" in the sense of a personal opinion based on his observation and prejudices.
• B) Jefferson is challenging his reader to prove otherwise.
• C) Jefferson, even though a slave owner, doubted his own low regard of Blacks.
• D) Given the rhetoric of the period, Jefferson is presenting hypocrisy as educated opinion.