Answer choice (B) is incorrect because there is no evidence in the passage to suggest that African American historical scholarship has ignored specific situations and individuals in favour of broad interpretations.
Rather, the author explicitly states in lines 1 to 6 that scholars in this field have largely focused on the harms perpetuated by the institution of slavery as opposed to the accomplishments of African Americans despite the effects of said institution.
The author then cites Breen and Innes' work as it focuses on what a group of freed indentured servants were able to accomplish in Virginia despite their relative disadvantage.
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Chris-SmutnyJune 26, 2020
I feel like the wording in B is can be picked apart but isn't it trying to say basically the same thing. That most AA historical scholars have ignored the "specific" instances of free AA in favor of the broad focus of AA in slavery. I understand why E is correct but I feel like B is a pretty good answer.
VictoriaOctober 10, 2020
Hi @Chris-Smutny,
Happy to help!
The author's argument is outlined in the first sentence of the passage: "for too many years scholars of African American history focused on the harm done by slave holders and by the institution of slavery, rather than on what Africans in the United States were able to accomplish despite the effects of that institution."
While I see your point, answer choice (B) is incorrect because it could suggest that scholars of African American history should have paid more attention to specific historical situations and individual enslaved Africans within the context of the institution of slavery.
The author is arguing that the focus should be on achievements. While this requires a narrower focus, it is still possible to focus on specific historical situations and personages in the context of slavery while ignoring the achievements of African Americans.
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