The Deadly “Ducking Test”: Racial Terror Disguised as Justice

Between 1877 and the 1940s, the “ducking test” was used in the Southern United States. It was a brutal way to interrogate people. Some local courts and police used it mostly against Black suspects. It was a horrific practice, not a search for truth. It was a barbaric method to force confessions. Often, innocent people were targeted because of their race. The “ducking test” reminds us of the racial terror in the American South then. This abuse of power was a dark time in American history.

A Method of Coercion and Torture

The “ducking test” involved tying suspects to chairs or other devices. Most of these suspects were Black men. Then, they were repeatedly put under water in rivers or ponds. This torture went on until the victim could not breathe. They faced drowning and gave in to the pressure. They falsely “confessed” to the crime, even if they were innocent. The process was designed to break the person’s will. It forced them into submission through physical and mental torment.

The “ducking test” was brutal beyond the submersion itself. The mental impact of near-drowning left scars on survivors. The fear and helplessness created terror. The victims knew the legal system was part of their torture. This created distrust in the Black community. This practice extracted false confessions. It also reinforced racial oppression. According to Ms. Magazine, these practices connect to the history of lynching and racial terror.

The Deadly Toll of Racial Violence

Some people survived the repeated submersions. However, the “ducking test” led to many tragic deaths. Records, though incomplete, show dozens of Black men died from this practice. They could not withstand the violent submersion and drowned. Their lives were stolen by the system that should have protected them. The true number of victims may never be known. This shows how these acts of racial terror were hidden. The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) says racial terror maintained white supremacy.

The deaths from the “ducking test” were not accidents. They were a calculated policy of violence. The people doing this knew it could kill. Yet, they kept using the “ducking test” to control people by race. These deaths are a deep injustice. They are a stain on the American legal system.

Euphemisms and the Normalization of Abuse

The people who used the “ducking test” often used euphemisms. These softened the act of racial violence. They tried to normalize the brutality. It was called the “water cure”. This term makes it sound like healing. It was also called a “baptism”, a sacred ritual. These terms were not innocent. They hid the true nature of the “ducking test”. It was not legitimate law enforcement.

History shows these euphemisms for what they were. They were a way to hide a lethal weapon of racial terror. This terror operated as part of the justice system. By using this language, the people involved tried to reduce the severity of their actions. They wanted to avoid accountability. This shows how the injustice was systemic.

A Legacy of Injustice and the Need for Vigilance

This dark chapter shows a system that abused its power. The principles of justice were twisted. They served racial oppression. Life and truth were sacrificed for forced confessions. These confessions came from torture. The stories of those who drowned must be remembered. They show the extremes of racial injustice in this country. It reminds us how easily the legal system can be used against marginalized groups.

The “ducking test” is a reminder of racial inequalities in the American South. It shows the need to fight injustice and discrimination. We must ensure these horrors never happen again. Understanding this history is vital. It helps create a more fair society for everyone.

Also, this practice shows the importance of due process. It shows the importance of assuming innocence in a legal system. The lack of these things allowed these acts to happen. It shows the dangers of unchecked power. It shows how fragile justice is when there is prejudice. We must uphold these things to prevent future abuse.

Conclusion

The “ducking test” is a chilling example of racial terror. It was disguised as justice. It shows how Black suspects were forced to confess in the American South. This led to many deaths. It shows the racial inequalities of that time. It also highlights the importance of due process. Remembering this dark chapter is vital. It helps create a more just society. We must be ready to fight all forms of injustice. Documentaries like Strange Fruit: The Story of American Lynching may provide a broader understanding of this environment.