Abby McCloskey, Dallas Morning News, February 24, 2024

Wilber Wilberforce has me thinking about the costs of consumerism.

Unlike the slavery of the American South, slavery was something that most Brits could ignore. The atrocities and appalling conditions on slave ships from Africa to the West Indies occurred out of eyesight and earshot of most people in England, although British ports and companies participated in the trade. For Wilberforce, there would have been more visible wrongs to address in the vulgar and violent 18th century. Prostitution and brothels were rampant, including child prostitution. Public hangings for petty crimes were entertainment. . .

When we look at history, it seems so obvious what the wrongs were and so obvious that history would arc for justice. Do we have the courage to look around our lives today? What if any atrocities are hidden for the seemingly simple pleasures we enjoy? We learn from Wilberforce that staring them in the face is the first step toward change