Tanya Chauca
After reading Douglass’s speech. What we can all say is how we noticed the strong message he was sending to everyone. About the true meaning of the day July 4th. Even though he may have talked about the origin and the celebration that is celebrated on this day. He roughly speaks on his point of view and how African Americans shouldn’t celebrate Fourth of July. His reason for it is because he speaks how there wasn’t any equality or freedom. He reminds us of the harsh truth and the bad unforgettable time of history where many African Americans were treated less than others. As well as still being forced even to fight. He doesn’t believe this should be celebrated by African Americans cause true justice and equality wasn’t what they got. But it was thanks to their support that they helped with their service to take part on which this day is celebrated.
Quote: “ Feeling themselves harshly and unjustly treated, by the home government, your fathers, like men of honesty, and men of spirit, earnestly sought redress. They petitioned and remonstrated; they did so in a decorous, respectful, and loyal manner. Their conduct was wholly unexceptionable. This, however, did not answer the purpose. They saw themselves treated with sovereign indifference, coldness and scorn. Yet they persevered. They were not the men to look back.” (Page 3,2nd paragraph).
Paraphrase: In the quote above what the message it is trying to send. Is that they talk about how his ancestors all their ancestors were treated unfairly. And all the harsh things they went through and he describes their feelings. After all the celebrations and all the things they did they still felt less and saw the difference of treatment they were receiving.
Explain: By this quote and along with the whole passage we can tell that Douglous wanted to express his opinions. He saw things differently and that there was still injustice. He wanted to open the eyes of many and make them see what he sees. And we can tell he had allot to say about the situation.
Actually this is a really important quote because here is showing what the revolutionaries felt and why they fought for independence from Britain. He is using this to suggest that what they experienced then is like what the African Americans are experiencing at the time he is talking. He is comparing the two situations to make his audience understand his perspective and the problem of slavery as he sees it and as his community experiences it.