I would like a citation on this because this seems like the kind of sh*t tumblr makes up to go “omg white people are trash all their faves are trash smh”
As was popular in that era, dentures were made of ivory as well as other people’s teeth. Although teeth were harvested (gruesome word to use here) from dead people, it was not uncommon for poor people and slaves to seek monetary compensation for giving up their teeth (see: Les Miserables). George Washington had several sets of dentures. Indeed one set contained teeth from his slaves, but he paid them money for their teeth. In fact, Washington paid his slaves money for doing extra work outside their expected duties which would sometimes allow them to purchase their freedom. History is fun to cite to gain understanding of the world we live in, but only when done correctly. In failing to point out the monetary compensation part of teeth pulling, the OP makes it sound like Washington forcibly took the teeth of his slaves. Editorial history is dangerous.
