What to the slave is the fourth of july analysis. What to the Slave is the Fourth of July 2022-12-15

What to the slave is the fourth of july analysis Rating: 4,5/10 1464 reviews

"What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" is a famous speech delivered by abolitionist Frederick Douglass on July 5, 1852. In this speech, Douglass reflects on the celebration of Independence Day and the hypocrisy of celebrating a holiday that celebrates freedom and liberty, while still tolerating the enslavement of African Americans.

Douglass begins his speech by pointing out that the Declaration of Independence states that "all men are created equal" and have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." However, he notes that these rights are not extended to African Americans, who are still being held in bondage despite the supposed ideals of the founding fathers. He asks, "What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?" and answers that it is a day of mockery and deception, a day when they are reminded of their own oppression and the hypocrisy of their oppressors.

Douglass goes on to argue that the celebration of Independence Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing injustice and inequality faced by African Americans. He notes that while the founding fathers fought for freedom and liberty, they did so while also perpetuating the institution of slavery and denying basic human rights to a large portion of the population. Douglass argues that the true celebration of Independence Day should involve the recognition and rectification of these wrongs, rather than simply commemorating the ideals of the founding fathers without addressing their flaws.

Throughout his speech, Douglass presents a powerful and eloquent argument for the need for true equality and justice for all people. He calls on his listeners to confront the hypocrisy and injustice of slavery, and to work towards a future where all people are truly free and treated with dignity and respect. Douglass's words are as relevant today as they were in 1852, and serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in our society.

What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? Pages 71

what to the slave is the fourth of july analysis

Police brutality has perceived that the people of color are violent even unarmed. He believes America should be shamed because slavery contradicts all that the founding fathers fought for. This law made it illegal for northerners to aid runaway slaves or help them procure their freedom. Although from different eras, both Douglass and Rowlandson use similar techniques such as religion, repetition, and sentimentalism to show that being held captive and slavery is wrong. Rhetorical Analysis Of Frederick Douglass 828 Words 4 Pages Frederick Douglass, born a slave and later the most influential African American leader of the 1800s, addresses the hypocrisy of the US of maintaining slavery with its upheld ideals being freedom and independence on July 4th, 1852. It almost as if he was the master and they were the slave now.

Next

What To The Slave If The Fourth Of July Analysis

what to the slave is the fourth of july analysis

He employs the metaphor of the book that their masters prohibited them from owning by law throughout the memoir to demonstrate the avarice that drives white slave owners to turn a darker-skinned, intelligent being into a machine for personal benefit for centuries after the colonization of America. He praises and condemns the attitude of American society toward slavery. Frederick Douglass Douglass has a very clear stance here. Be it the Anti-Slavery Movement of the 19th Century or the Black Lives Matter Movement of the present, the speech continues to be a major source of inspiration for positive developments in the society. To convince the reader of his claim he uses rhetorical questions, word choice and anthesis in hopes to shed light and spark action on the wrongful situation.

Next

A Nation's Story: “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

what to the slave is the fourth of july analysis

Douglass alludes to other scholars who have written at length on the subject before asking why, if the Constitution is meant to uphold slavery, the word "slavery" never actually appears in the document. Douglass asks his audience what the Fourth of July means to the American slave. He uses his personal life story to argue against common myths that were used to justify the act of slavery. The never did intend to give us a chance at a pursuit of happiness, or treat us equally. Retrieved July 7, 2020. The third paragraph is where the line is visibly drawn for the audience. America was founded on Christian beliefs, so Douglass attacked that.

Next

What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? Pages 85

what to the slave is the fourth of july analysis

His argument is proved multiple times with the simple logic presented in his speech. Buy Study Guide Summary Douglass declares that America is a nation of inconsistencies and incongruities, exemplified by the Church. This Fourth July is yours, not mine. Adding information in a way so that interests the audience is NOT EASY. Do you mean, citizens, to mock me by asking me to speak today? His words seem to flow with a heated fervency which could not be stopped.


Next

"What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" Analysis of Frederick Douglass's speech, how did he construct his argument and did he argue effectively.

what to the slave is the fourth of july analysis

In American Philosophies: An Anthology. Douglass speech used a formal tone with advance word choices to target his educated audience. In this respect, Douglass's views converged with that of However, if slavery were abolished and equal rights given to all, that would no longer be the case. Post this, he dedicated his rest of lifetime to put an end to slavery. Change is all that America has to hope for, Douglass argues, for the obscenities of the past can not be undone, and the horror of the present must not go on.

Next

Speech Analysis of 'What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?'

what to the slave is the fourth of july analysis

The use of rhetorical and poetic devices aids the listening experience of the audience. This exposes flaws within the backbone structure of America. After this point is made, he makes a very powerful statement to back up this idea. 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. . It is neither" 88. To him, your celebration is a sham;" Douglas 44.

Next

What to the Slave is the Fourth of July

what to the slave is the fourth of july analysis

Is it at the gateway? It would make sense to compare him to a preacher, up at the podium, speaking out against the devil and his ways with fire and brimstone. Frederick Douglass Douglass accuses the American Christian Church of enabling the existence of slavery, but is even more critical of the Church because of its failure to execute its unparalleled influence to abolish it. On July 4 th, 1776, as America celebrated their Independence Day with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which claims that all men are created equal with inviolable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Negros were unable to participate in this celebration with the rest of the nation being that they have never been treated as equals. His name was Frederick Douglass. For example, police officers are paid to protect and serve all people, however, to the Negro they inflict death and pain.

Next

What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July? A Contemporary Analysis

what to the slave is the fourth of july analysis

Thus, refrain from introducing any new idea at the end of your speech. Frederick Douglass Ethos Analysis 521 Words 3 Pages On July 5th 1852 Fredrick Douglass gave a speech to the anti-slavery society to show that all men and woman are equal no matter what. With biblical references and a constant rhythm, Douglass appealed to the sentiments of the audience. Douglass uses his own experience of being a slave to fight against the institution of slavery. Use it as you deem fit! Wells-Barnett, a militant civil rights fighter. Clearly, the primary denominator is that all were powerful white men. Abolitionism has become replaced with large protests in different countries taking a knee on U.


Next