Slavery was a beneficial institution for both blacks and whites in the south.

1. Because forced labor is used in the prison system does not make it morally right. I believe that any form of forced labor is wrong because you are not allowing a human being to express their free will. And the idea that because prisoner's (or slaves) do not have the same rights as citizens does not justify forced labor in either case, nor does it justify slavery to be beneficial. 2. "Culturally and physically the Blacks in America flourished far beyond their African ancestors" This statement is preposterous. This is most likely based on your limited knowledge of African history, but Africans were surviving and thriving in Africa. How can a people thrive culturally if they are not allowed to read or write? If they are forced to assimilate to a foreign culture that views them as property? And physically, most slaves were barely feed and whipped. The idea that slaveholders protected slaves is based on the idea that they needed this protection, if they remained in Africa then the dangers of America would have been unknown. 3. Who benefited from the "prosperous and cohesive region" was the white (slaveholders and plantation owners). The decline was due to the war, as well as the Southern plantation owners having to obtain paid laborers. The society HAD to be ruined because it was vicious and immoral. Where all Whites prospering during slavery? The surprising answer is No. There were whites that did not believe in slavery, and poor whites that could not afford slaves. Any industry would prosper if they did not have to pay the workers and kept all the profit ( and if my opponent attempts to argue that slaveholders paid for the clothes and shelter of the slaves, any logical person knows that it does't compare to how much they would have to pay for labor). even if freedom was not welcomed by all Blacks, and I don't believe this was because they did not want to be free but instead because they were unsure of what to do once free, this does not prove that slavery benefited these people. I would assert it actually crippled these people from being able to survive on their own. 4. This argument shows that slavery did not benefit Blacks because it is still hindering their progress (through systematic racism). I will not go in depth in this argument because I feel it is beside the point, but if the industry is making millions then those people are also paying taxes. In the end the government benefits from any endeavors in the U.S. (From what I read the same point is being made in your case) 5. I also believe this is beside the point, but because I am intrigued by the assertion I will respond. I will not assert that the experiences of all slaves were the same or even similar, because that is false. But I do know that it is human nature to want to be free, and I will say that most people believe this. Even in comfortable situations, such as children living with their parents until they are adults and moving out (freedom). In that instance there are some people who decide to live with their parents forever, but that is not the norm. Most people no matter how difficult the world is want to be free. Slavery is immoral, and does not benefit slaves. As my opponent has clearly pointed out Blacks in America are still suffering from the results of slavery. Any benefit received from slavery is an abomination, because slavery itself is inhumane. If my opponent claims that some slaves were "happy," then he must acknowledge the many slaves that fled and fought for freedom. Also, you cannot make broad generalizations about the status of Africans before slavery, because the lifestyles are incomparable.