Chyna Vazquez 

September 9, 2020

ENG1121

Word Count: 455

Quote 1: ” There are seventy-two crimes in the State of Virginia, which, if committed by a black man, (no matter how ignorant he be,) subject him to the
punishment of death; while only two of the same crimes will subject a white man to the like punishment” (Douglass, page 9).

Paraphrase: If a crime was committed by a person of color, he would receive death penalty. However, if a white person committed the same crime they would only punish him.

Response: In the 21th century, this still is a really big issue. If a white man commits a crime, they don’t serve the same consequences as a black man. Many unarmed black men have been killed. This has caused many people around the world to protest for the injustice and cruelty black men and women face.

Quote 2: “Everywhere, in this country, it is safe to speak of this foreign slave-trade, as a most inhuman traffic, opposed alike to the laws of God and of man” (Douglass, page 11).

Paraphrase: Slave-trade is such an inhumane act and it is against the laws of God and of man.

Response: Slavery is definitely not correct in the laws of God. It is inhumane for a person to be enslaved and bought by a white slaver and forces him or her into working for them. It is disgusting to say that the enslaved person was legally the personal property of the slave owner.

Quote 3: “What point in the anti-slavery creed would you have me argue?” (Douglass, page 9).

Identify the writing strategy you see Douglass using: Douglas tries to speak to his audience and know his audience. In order to write content that will resonate with someone, you must build a connection.

Explain why you find this useful, persuasive, or effective in some way: This is useful because it allows the audience to build a relationship and connection with the author. It also allows your audience to see your point of view.

Quote 4: “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim” (Douglass, page 10).

Identify the writing strategy you see Douglass using: Douglass emphasis and reinforces his main idea of injustice and cruelty of 4th of July. His speech is well organized as well.

Explain why you find this useful, persuasive, or effective in some way: It is important to have a purpose for writing. It should have an impact on your audience. Section headers make the speech look organized. It will be effective because it will probably be the first things your audience will read.