ipl-logo

How Did Frederick Douglas Contradict The Celebration Of Freedom?

721 Words3 Pages

Final Exam: Part 2 Frederick Douglass’ speech explained the irony of the celebration of the Fourth of July. While white Americans are celebrating their freedom and independence, slavery is still prominent. Therefore, contradict the celebration of freedom. Frederick states that he had nothing positive to say about the 4th because he and many other (former) slaves do not have the same rights as everyone else in the nation. For instance, they aren’t taught to read, aren’t free, and they do not get paid for their labor. Dougluss states that there is no freedom available to everyone, hence, the fourth is insignificant to them. Lincoln’s address was given during the Civil War as a reminder that everyone was created equal and to save the union. The …show more content…

Both Frederick and Lincoln’s opinions on slavery were alike. Similarly, they both fought for the rights of slaves and believed slavery was not moral, both advocated for the abolition of slavery (although Lincoln did not in the beginning), and for the basic rights of slaves. The inconsistencies Frederick Dougless identified within the founding principles and the current situation of African Americans was that the Declaration of Independence stated that there was freedom for all yet slavery was still around during this time. The only people who did have full natural rights were rich white males, on the contrary, slaves did not have the same privilege as white males. For example, if a black man committed the same crime, he would be punished to death, but a white man would only be punished after the second time. This was not equality; it was discrimination. The natural rights of man are not shared with every man. They aren’t treated the same; slaves are seen as inhumane. Even though they do the same activities (planting, worshiping, living with their family, etc.) as any other man, they are still not treated the

Show More
Related

Rhetorical Analysis Of Harvey Fourth Of July

424 Words | 2 Pages

In July of 1852, Frederick Douglass prepares a speech known as The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro. Douglass was a former slave of the 19th century and soon became a leader during the Abolitionist Movement. In his speech, he argues that the Fourth of July is the darkest as well as most mournful day for slaves. Douglass then establishes his argument with distinct rhetorical strategies to make the audience feel the sorrow of which slaves felt. Through the use of allusion, sarcasm, and emotional appeal, Douglass reaches out to the listener to request a change in slavery.

Read More

How Did Frederick Douglass View Of The Constitution

243 Words | 1 Pages

Frederick Douglass believed that the Constitution was an anti-slavery document. Principles of the Constitution blatantly oppose slavery, and therefore the Constitution is a vital tool to utilize as a means of abolishing slavery. Douglass was first introduced to William Lloyd Garrison and his writings after he became a free man. Douglass would eventually depart from Garrison’s view of the Constitution, but this was not his initial reaction to Garrison’s principles. Douglass states that he was enamored by Garrison and his fiery denunciation of slavery.

Read More

Frederick Douglass 9th Section Of The Constitution

156 Words | 1 Pages

Frederick Douglass, who was a towering figure of the abolitionist movement, initially believed the United States Constitution was pro-slavery. In Douglass’s article written in 1849, he enumerates the Article 1, section 2 to explain the clause of three fifth is just to compromise on the huge amount of slaveries but not for giving slavery with practical power. Afterward, he changed his view that a black man is indeed worth a complete person in a free State. Moreover, Douglass argues that the first article, ninth section of the Constitution is an authorization of the slave trade over twenty years. However, Williams points out that Douglass claims the Constitution is not encouraging slavery, whereas it is encouraging to gain freedom which means

Read More

How Did Frederick Douglass Celebrate The Fourth Of July

280 Words | 2 Pages

Mr. Frederick Douglass’s main point was slavery and that the celebration of Independence Day did not hold the same meaning for African Americans, free and slave, as it did for whites. He expressed that asking him to speak about the Fourth of July was a mockery. Mr. Douglass criticized the concept of celebrating independence in America. He questions how one can celebrate independence when African Americans were enslaved for years, oppressed and were not granted the same liberties and rights as those granted to whites. Mr. Douglass pointed out that slavery makes the celebrating of the Fourth of July disingenuous.

Read More

Rhetorical Analysis Of Frederick Douglass

637 Words | 3 Pages

Kyla Valentine DiCiaula AP Lang III 2/24/23 Frederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis Slavery in the United States was truly a horrific time to be a “negro”; beatings almost every day, scarcity of food and clothing, constant demeaning, belittling, hypocrisy, and much more unfathomable circumstances. In both Frederick Douglass’s self-written narrative and his speech titled, “What is Your Fourth of July to Me?” , he explains, in depth, the negative effects of these aspects of slavery, by using metaphors and biblical/religious allusions. However, while Douglass discusses his own experiences with slavery in his narrative, he acts as a representative for his people and discusses the universal Black experience in his speech, separating himself

Read More

Frederick Douglass: The Road Of Freedom

766 Words | 4 Pages

Once he escaped slavery in Maryland, Douglass began to lead the abolitionist movement that were taking place in New York and the state of Massachusetts. His leadership, writings, and use of voice allowed for Douglass to achieve and receive great recognition. In New York, Douglass was asked to give a speech to a crowd of believers and supporters of the abolitionist movement. The name of this speech was called, “What to the slave is the Fourth of July?” In this speech, Douglass explains how although the fourth of July may appear to be a happy and exciting holiday for where people can celebrate their independence, it is a sad day for African Americans.

Read More

What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July, By Frederick Douglass

908 Words | 4 Pages

The adage “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” by Frederick Douglass is a story on how slaves are treated and the impression of the fourth of July to slaves. Douglass talks about how he, as well as other slaves, do not feel the need to celebrate like the white people. “You may rejoice, I must mourn” (Douglass 378). This is a compelling piece of writing because he speaks for the slaves, how slaves are treated, his background as a slave, and the extraordinary qualities of America. Douglass starts off the story with reasons about why the slaves do not feel the same as the white people.

Read More

Research Paper On Frederick Douglass

571 Words | 3 Pages

In 1852, Fredrick Douglass said, “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine, You may rejoice, I must mourn.” Ever since the declaration of independence held a significant reason why the United States of America is still awake. The Fourth of July was significant in his speech about why many former slaves marched throughout America. The day before and the day after was no different when racial segregation was active in the South until 1964. Stressing of debating for the freedom of millions of slaves in the south during Frederick time remained in mind.

Read More

Meaning Of The July Fourth For The Negro By Frederick Douglass

1110 Words | 5 Pages

Douglass expresses to his spectators, while they dwell in the luxurious ability to partake in this joyous celebration of freedom for a nation, not everyone in that nation is sharing in the celebration. In The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro, he writes “The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you and not by me. This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn” (Douglass 1).

Read More

What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July Analysis

793 Words | 4 Pages

What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July? Throughout his sermon, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July, Fredrick Douglass devotedly argued that to the slave and even the liberated African American, the Fourth of July was nothing more than a holiday of a mockery of the crudest kind. Through his use of several rhetorical devices and strategies, Douglass conveyed his perspective on the concerning matter as if he were the voice of the still enslaved, both physically and logically. Prevalently, he presented an effectively argued point using ethos, logos, and pathos through credible appeals, convincing facts and statistics, and by successfully employing emotional appeals.

Read More

Rhetorical Analysis Essay On A Vindication Of The Rights Of Women

2333 Words | 10 Pages

Douglass establishes his credibility and authority on the issue of slavery and inequality in the United States by drawing on his own experience and expertise. He begins the speech by introducing himself as a former slave and expressing his sadness and disappointment at the Fourth of July festivities which celebrate the nation’s independence while ignoring the ongoing oppression of African Americans. He says, “I am not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us.” By acknowledging his own identity as a former slave, Douglass gives himself immediate credibility on the issue of slavery and inequality.

Read More

Frederick Douglass Fight For Freedom

916 Words | 4 Pages

douglas tried to show the people that blacks were intelligent and as talented as white were and deserved freedom. Douglass thought that he wasn't the only one that deserved to be free, so instead of retiring, he had joined the abolitionist and worked with Lincoln so they could do what was right for the black people. This later made him believe that the constitution was a pro slavery document because the decision of 1875 of the supreme court gave the ability to slave owner to have possession of their slaves even i f slavery was illegal in some places. This made him believe that the union was going to break up. frederick thought this way because his country needed a new constitution and it was going to happen even if it did

Read More

Rhetorical Analysis Of Hypocrisy Of American Slavery

1025 Words | 5 Pages

In 1776, on July 4th, the 13 English colonies officially declared their freedom from England. However, as the years progressed, slavery became incorporated into everyday American life. In 1852, Frederick Douglass, a former slave, was called upon to deliver a speech to celebrate America’s independence; however, he censured Americans for saying they were a “country of the free”. In the speech, Hypocrisy of American Slavery, Frederick Douglass declares that Americans should not be celebrating their freedom when there are slaves living in the country. He uses emotional appeal, ethical appeal, and rhetorical questions to convince his audience that Americans are wrong celebrating freedom on the 4th of July when slavery exists in their country.

Read More

Analysis Of The Fourth Of July

762 Words | 4 Pages

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.

Read More

Rhetorical Devices In Frederick Douglass's Speech

1024 Words | 5 Pages

The fourth of July and slaves really don’t mix. Frederick douglass was born as a slave and he does a speech on the fourth of july and they are thinking that he is going to give a whora speech but he dont do that it 's the complete opposite of what they thought. In frederick douglass, Hypocrisy of American Slavery he attacks the hypocrisy of a nation celebrating freedom and independence with speeches, parades and platitudes, while, within its borders, nearly four million humans were being kept as slaves. Overall douglass has explained his speech through emotional,ethical,logical appeal and through rhetorical questions.

Read More

More about How Did Frederick Douglas Contradict The Celebration Of Freedom?

Open Document