Summary: When reading and listening to Frederick Douglass’s speech, I believe that Douglass is arguing that there is no correlation between the Fourth of July and African Americans since they had no freedom and were enslaved. There were huge celebrations and although there was an emancipation, the big celebration that many may celebrate, isn’t a positive attribute towards African Americans. The Declaration of Independence wasn’t made to abide and make men “all equal”, because it was never equal. The circumstances, experiences, and privilege some people had are far from being similar from those who celebrated the holiday because of “American prosperity and independence’ , however, it was in no way ever a representation for African Americans. It is a holiday that is ridiculed because it doesn’t mean justice for everyone, where clearly African Americans were having their rights taken away. In fact, Douglass was implying that their judgement is not fair, that himself and other people have to live through cruelty vain days while others are celebrating out of mere greed and ignorance. To celebrate the Fourth of July without taking into account of the people who are suffering and have suffered is hypocritical and Douglass wanted to get their attention as to why they believe independence should be given selectively. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence was made to make white men equal, and Douglass was exposing the hypocrisy of these Americans who never had to suffer hard for their liberty, justice, and freedom; urging them to take into account that the holiday isn’t a representation for all.
Quote: Douglass states, “Americans! your republican politics, not less than your republican religion, are flagrantly inconsistent. You boast of your love of liberty, your superior civilization, and your pure christianity, while the whole political power of the nation, (as embodied in the two great political parties[)], is solemnly pledged to support and perpetuate the enslavement of three millions of your countrymen” (Douglass, 17).
Paraphrase: You Americans! Your political standing and your religious beliefs are clearly inconsistent with your actions. You are all so narcissistic about your love of liberty, civilized nation, and your pure christianity, while the politics of your beloved nation continues to support the idea of slavery. Endorsing the fact that slavery should keep going, affecting millions of your own American people that you so called us to be a part of your independence.
Response: Douglass not only informs the audience about what the holiday means to him, but how self- righteous they are to ignore the millions of African Americans that are enslaved. This quote helps illustrates his problem because it shows how he personally feels about his exclusion in regards to their celebration. He states that their liberty, civilized nation, and religion are all something millions of other African Americans can’t acquire or have access to and ironically, go against their actions. Americans continued to praise this holiday, ignoring the cruel slavery that was happening right in front of them. In actuality, the holiday was celebrated by white people who had their rights, whereas African Americans were not protected, given equal rights, and were oppressed.
I especially like where you write: “This quote helps illustrates his problem because it shows how he personally feels about his exclusion in regards to their celebration. He states that their liberty, civilized nation, and religion are all something millions of other African Americans can’t acquire or have access to and ironically, go against their actions. ”
This is key–the audience is not concerned with the African Americans and he is making them understand their perspectives.
Also, in your summary you write, ” The adoption of the Declaration of Independence was made to make white men equal, and Douglass was exposing the hypocrisy of these Americans who never had to suffer hard for their liberty, justice, and freedom; urging them to take into account that the holiday isn’t a representation for all.”
I just wanted to add, that its not so much that he doesn’t think they suffered for their liberty, but that they didn’t suffer for all–only for themselves because the holiday is not, as you say, for everyone. Just like their freedom is not for all.