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Frederick Douglass Racism Essay

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Frederick Douglass was born into slavery, separated from his mother at birth. Douglass from the time of his birth, was subjected to the harsh civil injustices and racism prevalent in the 19th century in the United States. By writing details of his life in The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass one is able to receive a firsthand account of the harrowing struggles he faces while being in captivity such as having poor living conditions, and experiencing physical punishment at the smallest rule infraction. Douglass is not seen as a person, but rather property, not even aware of the day he was born, “I have no accurate knowledge of my age, never having seen any authentic record containing it” (Douglass 1). At this time, black Americans …show more content…

Douglass’ master whom he called Captain Anthony was cruel to his slaves taking pleasure from whipping and beating them at times. It is dispiriting to learn that not only were slaves whipped and beaten, but for a slave owner's pleasure rather than for actual reasons. These people did not make any mistakes but were used as entertainment for their master. To learn the extent of this rampant racism is important, but makes me question those who supported this movement in history such as George Washington. These slave owning or slave supporting presidents could have been just as cruel and frequently perpetrate human rights, yet we still focus most of our learning on the positive influences they have provided. Douglass elaborates to the beatings stating, “The louder she screamed, the harder he whipped; and where the blood ran fastest, there he whipped longest” (Douglas 1). Screaming only seemed to entice their master and their pain only encouraged him to beat them harder. These slave owners showed no mercy to the immense pain their slaves must have felt throughout the many beatings they faced. Colonel Lloyd, another master Douglass served, would frequently punish those who watched his horse if the house acted up. The horse's actions do not reflect the slaves as it is an animal who acts out at times, yet even still if the horse did not perform properly those watching would be severely punished, “If a horse did not move fast enough, or hold his head high enough, it was owing to some fault of his keepers” (Douglass

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