Was Slavery Good? (What About Smex Slaves?)

In this provocative episode of Based Camp, Malcolm and Simone Collins dive deep into a taboo topic: slavery—both historical and modern. Is slavery "good" at a civilizational level? They explore why more people are enslaved today than at any point in human history (~50 million in forced labor or marriage), critique selective outrage over past vs. present slavery, and examine cultural attitudes toward wartime rape/slavery across groups (Puritans, Quakers, Backwoods/Appalachian Scots-Irish, Cavaliers, Spanish Catholics, Vikings, Muslims, Japanese, etc.).

Key discussions include:

Genetic and cultural legacies of "rape slaves" vs. conquest without integration.

Why certain Protestant subgroups showed remarkable restraint (no recorded cases of raping Native captives).

How slavery economically stifled innovation (Rome, the American South).

Maps showing slavery's concentration in Cavalier regions and its overlap with modern socioeconomic struggles.

Why reflexive disgust toward status-signaling and a preference for strong partners may have given some groups a long-term edge.

They argue that, even setting aside morality, sex slavery and post-conquest integration often backfire genetically and culturally—while loving your own people and culture drives lasting success. A data-heavy, counterintuitive take that challenges both left- and right-wing sacred cows. Not for the faint of heart.

Timestamps below. Like, subscribe, and comment: What cultural pattern surprised you most?

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Timestamps (Major Themes)