Introduction: Douglass claims that the celebration of the Fourth of July does not truly reflect America’s core values of freedom and justice, but it instead removes attention from the harrowing history of slavery and the cruelty that those individuals were forced to undergo.
Narration: Douglass himself managed to escape from slavery, so he was keenly aware of the countless struggles they went through. He uses his extensive knowledge of the subject matter to share his own views and focus on how the issue still remained, after so many years, as the promises held by the country were not granted to slaves. Division: Douglass acknowledges the purpose of the celebration and its intended outcomes, as it is a day to express one’s gratitude for freedom and independence. He also, however, addresses the fact that blatantly turning a blind eye to the oppression of enslaved individuals was unfortunately a common occurrence. Proof: Douglass incorporates many rhetorical questions into his speech and for one of them, he asks, “Who is so boring and selfish that he would not cry hallelujah on a nation's anniversary, after the chains of servitude had been torn from his limbs?” (Douglass 2). By mentioning this, he offers an explanation to the audience as to why he could not be involved in the celebration, emphasizing how there was still a significant gap between those who were and were not enslaved. Refutation: Those who believe that the Fourth of July can be truly celebrated by all people, with feelings of complete fulfillment, do not have a well-developed understanding of the magnitude and severity of the mistreatment and injustice that enslaved people experienced. Conclusion: The Fourth of July is a day to rejoice over the freedom and justice that is promised to people, but it is crucial that everyone will remember the intense suffering that slaves were forced to endure and the pain they experienced for so long.
1 Comment
Ryan Kloss
11/9/2020 09:01:29 pm
Hey Tiffany,
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AuthorMy name is Tiffany Ahlberg and I am a junior at Harrison High School. I participate in cross country and track. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, listening to music, visiting new places, cooking, baking, watching Netflix, taking pictures, and being outside. Archives
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