Treatment of slaves in urban versus rural areas

Frederick Douglas noted a significant difference in the treatment of slaves in urban areas like Baltimore compared to rural plantations. He observed that slaves in the city seemed practically like freemen, without overseers and whips. Douglas attributed this treatment to peer pressure, as masters didn't want to be seen as mistreating their slaves in front of others. He likened the treatment of slaves to possessing a fancy car, where neglecting the upkeep could reflect poorly on the owner.