Just What Kind of Property is a slave?

So often i hear of Masters that refer to their slave’s as property, which is fine and i agree with…but just what kind of property are They talking about.  So may refer to their slaves as being like a piece of furniture, a prized piece of jewelry, or a fancy sports car.  It’s those analogies that i personally have a problem with.  A slave is not an inanimate object, but a sentient being with thoughts and feelings.

A piece of furniture can be placed in a corner and forgotten about; jewelry placed in a box or drawer to hardly ever be seen or used…and that sports car can be placed in a garage rarely driven.  To those item no harm can come to them…there is no worry or concern for their mental well-being…they don’t have one.
A better analogy in my view…is that of a family pet.  Some pets have a job to do and tasks that must be done.  A pet is not always pleasing…sometimes they get into trouble.  Sometimes they think on their own **think of that prized mouse catch or the slobber filled slippers**.  If you place a pet away from interaction it will forget it’s place and the rules that it’s to live by.  A pet will get lonely, a pet will act out, a pet will feel hurt and sad, as well as, happy and playful.  A pet will have good days and bad, but no matter what..it’s still owned and it’s still just a pet. Most pets are prized for the place that they fill be that as a work animal or as a companion.  A pet can suffer neglect the same as a slave…not from intent, but simply by owners who didn’t understand the responsibility that comes with having one. Pets need reassurances in much the same way a slave does…they need to be told that they are good and loved.  And they need to be disciplined when they misbehave.

There are so many correlations between a slave and a pet, that i could go on and on, but i think that by now you have caught my meaning.