Frederick Douglass Reflection
A common trend that I notice in this class when it comes to the readings, is that those readings show a great depth into what was only mentioned in passing during high school history class. In Frederick Douglass’s book, he gives a first-hand account of being a slave, and the many traumatic experiences that occur not only to him but to many others in his place in society. Douglass’s telling of his experience as a slave presents a view of the slave state of mind as well as the slaver’s justification for their actions. As seen throughout history, those in power often leaned on religion to justify their horrid actions. An example of this is seen back in the times of Columbus, when he believed that the success of his country’s conquests in the
Americas was due to their belief of a God. “…our Lord, gives victory to those who follow His way over apparent impossibilities” (Zinn, 2003). This practice of belief remained the same during Douglass’s lifetime. When Douglass’s master, Thomas, went to a religious camp, Douglass noticed an incredible change in his character. One would think that following a religion and living in the way their God desires, would lead the person to lead a decent honest life in respects to actions and attitude. Unfortunately, the effect of this religious camp was the opposite one would expect and instead changed master Thomas into an even more malevolent version of his previous self, “… I believe him to have been a much worse man after his conversion than before” (Douglass, 1845). As shown, religion was used as a crutch to increase the cruelty inflicted toward others without feeling guilt. Douglass’s account on the mind of the slave was another interesting topic in his book. Today it is well known that being a slave meant to live a dull miserable life full of hardships and tragedy. The treatment of slaves by the slavers was cruel physically and psychologically, nearly reaching evil to its absolute definition by today’s standards. Considering what is known now, Douglass mentions that slaves were sometimes asked about their opinions on their own condition, to which they answered with satisfaction. “when inquired …to their condition and the character of their masters, almost universally say they are contented” (Douglass, 1845). Additionally, Douglass mentions that masters would secretly ask the opinion of the slaves to know how they felt about their state of being. “slaveholders have been known to send in spies among their slaves, to ascertain their views and feelings” (Douglass 1845). The reason for this wasn’t because the slavers wanted feedback and constructive criticism so that they could improve the condition of the slaves, but it was to find those who might inspire resistance and to quell it. Reading Douglass’s slave narrative was something that I enjoyed reading. Not because of the suffering of the slaves, but because of his accomplishments and his detailing of his experiences. It is one thing to read about slavery in a history book, but it is a whole different world when one gives a firsthand account of one of the many experiences they shared during a bleak moment in human history. The authenticity of Douglass’s writing left me a feeling of sadness and loss for those that suffered, nonetheless, I’m glad to have read it, as I believe everyone should be aware of the kindness that man is capable of, as well as the evil.
Americas was due to their belief of a God. “…our Lord, gives victory to those who follow His way over apparent impossibilities” (Zinn, 2003). This practice of belief remained the same during Douglass’s lifetime. When Douglass’s master, Thomas, went to a religious camp, Douglass noticed an incredible change in his character. One would think that following a religion and living in the way their God desires, would lead the person to lead a decent honest life in respects to actions and attitude. Unfortunately, the effect of this religious camp was the opposite one would expect and instead changed master Thomas into an even more malevolent version of his previous self, “… I believe him to have been a much worse man after his conversion than before” (Douglass, 1845). As shown, religion was used as a crutch to increase the cruelty inflicted toward others without feeling guilt. Douglass’s account on the mind of the slave was another interesting topic in his book. Today it is well known that being a slave meant to live a dull miserable life full of hardships and tragedy. The treatment of slaves by the slavers was cruel physically and psychologically, nearly reaching evil to its absolute definition by today’s standards. Considering what is known now, Douglass mentions that slaves were sometimes asked about their opinions on their own condition, to which they answered with satisfaction. “when inquired …to their condition and the character of their masters, almost universally say they are contented” (Douglass, 1845). Additionally, Douglass mentions that masters would secretly ask the opinion of the slaves to know how they felt about their state of being. “slaveholders have been known to send in spies among their slaves, to ascertain their views and feelings” (Douglass 1845). The reason for this wasn’t because the slavers wanted feedback and constructive criticism so that they could improve the condition of the slaves, but it was to find those who might inspire resistance and to quell it. Reading Douglass’s slave narrative was something that I enjoyed reading. Not because of the suffering of the slaves, but because of his accomplishments and his detailing of his experiences. It is one thing to read about slavery in a history book, but it is a whole different world when one gives a firsthand account of one of the many experiences they shared during a bleak moment in human history. The authenticity of Douglass’s writing left me a feeling of sadness and loss for those that suffered, nonetheless, I’m glad to have read it, as I believe everyone should be aware of the kindness that man is capable of, as well as the evil.