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Similarities Between My Freedom And What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July

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Frederick Douglass is by far one of the most influential African American abolitionists in American history. He published many works which discussed and showcased his life as a slave. Two of these pieces include, “My Bondage and My Freedom” and the speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”. Both pieces play a role in the factors leading up to the civil war. “My Bondage and My Freedom” gives the readers a first look into many of Douglass’ experiences, while, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” capitalizes on the irony of the situation. Douglass was born a slave in, what he believes to be in or around 1818. He lived in Maryland on a plantation and he was separated from his mother at an early age because it helps break the bond …show more content…

It was published in 1855, just six years before the civil war took place. “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” was given on July 5th, 1852. Douglas was asked to present a speech to abolitionists in New York about July 4th, a holiday to celebrate freedoms in the country. Rather than focusing on why slavery is bad and why it should be abolished, he focused on the irony of them having him speak for the audience. “What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence? Are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence, extended to us?” (Douglass). He really capitalized on the irony of an African American, whose brothers are still enslaved in a majority of the country, being asked to give a speech about a holiday celebrated by whites to recognize their freedom in the country. Douglass ends the speech by answering the question, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”. In short he answers this, “a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelly to which he is the constant …show more content…

Living through something and hearing about it is two completely different experiences. As a former slave, Douglass understood first hand why slavery was not humane, and he understood the struggles that most African Americans were facing. As a public figure, and with the opportunities he was given, it was his job to enlighten those who did not understand. This is where Douglass’ next piece, “My Bondage and My Freedom” plays a significant role in teaching and showing everyday people the harsh realities of slavery. Through this biography people, such as northern abolitionist and southerners could see a tiny glimpse into how bad it

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