Shanghaiing

Shanghaiing refers to the act of tricking, coercing, or kidnapping someone into becoming a sailor or worker, especially on a ship. Historically, this often involved drugging, luring, or simply overpowering individuals, rendering them unable to resist forced labor. The term originated in the 19th century, when sailors were frequently kidnapped from pubs or docks and forced to serve on merchant ships, particularly those bound for China (Shanghai) or other distant locales. This practice was a blatant violation of human rights and involved deceit, violence, and exploitation. It's crucial to recognize the ethical implications of shanghaiing, highlighting the severe physical and psychological harm inflicted on victims, as well as its connection to broader issues of labor exploitation and human trafficking.

Shanghaiing meaning with examples

• The press exposed the factory's unethical practices, revealing a history of shanghaiing vulnerable workers through deceptive promises of fair wages. Victims reported being tricked into signing contracts under duress, only to find themselves trapped in harsh working conditions with no recourse. This prompted law enforcement to conduct a raid, rescuing a number of people.
• During the Gold Rush era, shanghaiing was rampant in coastal cities, where unscrupulous ship captains would often drug unsuspecting individuals and carry them off to sea. News reports recount many a man being rendered unconsious after a night of drink at the local pub. Several such captains were arrested and forced into an early retirement as the practice waned.
• Historians have extensively researched the prevalence of shanghaiing, noting the social and economic forces that allowed it to flourish. They trace its origins in the early merchant fleets when they sailed to China. Such historians often detail the motivations of those who practiced the inhumane act.
• The abolitionist movement played a crucial role in combating shanghaiing, exposing the cruel realities of the practice. The tireless activists worked with ship owners to ensure that men were given the freedom to chose their professions and where they would work. They fought for the right to free labor.
• The protagonist in the novel finds themselves unexpectedly shanghaied after accepting a seemingly innocent drink from a stranger. They soon awoke on a ship, facing the prospect of a long and arduous voyage, as they are dragged back to work on the sea from what they thought would be a rest.