Many people do no know the actual formal name of Rhode Island (R.I.) and I would dare to say that not even local Rhode Islanders may not even know as well. With that being said. On November 2nd, 2010 voters from The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (R.I.), will be deciding whether to keep their existing historical name or eliminate the word "and Providence Plantations." This issue has caused a huge debate for many years but within a year the law makers have brought it to the ballot question for the 1st time.
The impassioned race debate of the state's official name has caused a constant reminder of the role R.I. has played in the Atlantic slave trade, or Transatlantic slave trade, started in the 16th century. As you may remember from history class the Atlantic slave trade was the enslavement and considered exportation, primarily of African people, to the New World as labor in plantations, mines, fields, construction, and servants.
From the harsh beginnings of the New World to the current times, many ancestry and history of what we call the United States of America has been paved by many positive and negative means. However the association with the word "Plantation" rings a not to far sound of slavery which provokes the question, Should the name be changed?
"Providence Plantations" words were 1st used during the royal charter granted in 1663 by King Charles II to the colony of Rhode Island. The word "Plantation" was defined as a general term for settlement or colony, which was founded by the minister Roger Williams.
Many people that are either PC or can't remove the association would naturally say, NO. But supporters such as Governer Don Carcieri noted that the state's name actually has nothing to do with slavery and that, in any case, changing it will do nothing to alter history. So the proponents for this name change recognize the word "plantations" was not initially associated with slavery. But their argument is that the origins of the meaning is irrelevant, since the 18th century Rhode Island emerged as a forefront colony that thrived with industries using slavery.
Now many images and words have been used incorrectly from their actual definition, as well as associated with many negative issues. But no matter what is decided on this issue the money that was used and may be used could be better spent on RI's current economic issues dealing with unemployment.
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