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Analysis Of The Fourth Of July

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In Frederick Douglass’s The Meaning of Fourth of July for the Negro, he exposes the hypocrisy and iniquity that is infused into considerably one of the most prolific American moments in history known as The Fourth of July. Douglass, who was a former slave that eventually reached freedom, was invited to speak about what Fourth of July meant for the black population within America. Although Douglass provided much gratitude to the Founding Fathers for their courage and ability to oppose oppressive systems, he criticizes the American country for its involvement within slavery. Slavery served as the foundation that constructed America, allowing for it fuel the economy and develop into a cultural and political norm within society. I agree with much …show more content…

Unfortunately for these individuals, this celebration of “political freedom” was not applied to their ancestors. In fact, their ancestors were not granted to receive freedom similar to the Founding Fathers. Instead, these individuals were held hostage by the evils of slavery being brutally beaten, raped, whipped, chained, and murdered. Why should one wish to celebrate this moment in history when he/she was not even granted the ability to be free? To exemplify his frustration of such hypocrisy crafted by America’s Founding Fathers, Douglas stated …show more content…

For white men, this is a day of gratification and happiness as All men(according to the Declaration of Independence) could escape the oppressive British control and live freely on new land, but for many African-Americans, including Douglass, this is a day of exile, pain, anguish, isolation, and deprivation. For the millions of white Americans, this “anniversary” is for them, not for African-Americans according to Douglass. I believe that there should not be any desire to celebrate this day because this day does not celebrate and/or symbolize the moment my ancestors gained freedom. Rather, this day serves as a rejuvenation of the white-hegemonic racial institution that continues to hinder the social, intellectual, economic, physical, and spiritual well-being of black and brown individuals. To further display the hypocrisy of this celebration, Douglas goes on to say “Fellow-citizens, above your national, tumultuous joy, I hear the mournful wail of millions! whose chains, heavy and grievous yesterday, are, to-day, rendered more intolerable by the jubilee shouts that reach them.” Douglas’s use of vivid imagery and onomatopoeia constructs a vivid display of the terrific treatment that many African-American slaves endured. The Declaration of Independence claimed that all men possess the right to obtain life, liberty, and property. To

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