Watch the videos of Max McLean reading the Declaration of Independence and the descendants of Frederick Douglass reading "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" gave me mixed feelings‚ but mainly made me proud and hopeful about our country. These two pieces offer different perspectives on our national identity and the meaning of Independence Day. The Declaration of Independence is all about freedom and equality. It says that everyone has the right to life‚ liberty‚ and the pursuit of happiness
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contrasting the perspectives of Frederick Douglass‚ who in his speech “What to the Slave if the Fourth of July?” presents his viewpoint on the need to end the act of slavery‚ and Elizabeth Cady Stanton‚ who in her speech from Declaration of Sentiments of the Seneca Falls Woman’s Rights Convention argues the need for equality between men and women‚ it is evident that Americans value this belief and hope for a positive future by creating freedom for the rest of the nation. Frederick Douglass argues the act
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In the speech “ What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” given by Frederick Douglass‚ he announces his goals for the future men and women of the United States. Douglass is a well known‚ powerful public speaker who was born into slavery then later escaped at the age of twenty one. On the day of his speech‚ he addresses an audience at the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society during a time where people of the United States visioned the total abolition of slavery as a profound cause. He speaks against
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What to the Slave is the 4th of July by Frederick Douglass “Without a struggle‚ there can be no progress.” Those were words from an African-American social reformer‚ abolitionist‚ orator‚ writer‚ and statesman. Frederick Douglass was born into slavery‚ but overcame that along with other obstacles to be the great man that we read and hear about today. What to the Slave is the 4th of July was a speech Douglass said in New York‚ explaining how the fourth of July was nothing to the slaves‚ as it was
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Title: “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July” Author: Frederick Douglass Summary of Section 1: Although America has had many wise men that led it to greatness‚ it is still a young nation that can still make childish mistakes. Summary of Section 2: The wise men were brave to stand up and fight against the tyranny of the British. Summary of Section 3: Many of the men were poor but favored peace. However‚ because their freedom came first‚ they were willing to fight. Summary of Section 4:
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The Fourth of July–a day widely regarded as a time of freedom and celebration for the American public–did not always have the same meaning for all citizens. Frederick Douglass‚ a former slave‚ delivered his speech What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? to an audience of white abolitionists in 1852‚ which provided his perspective on the holiday. Douglass finally managed to escape slavery after many unsuccessful attempts‚ eventually becoming one of the most influential abolitionists of his time.
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show slave owners the life of being a slave by using rhetorical strategies. In Douglass’ story “What to a Slave is the Fourth of July”‚ he was trying to give all slaves a voice. Obviously‚ this did not end slavery entirely but it did help the fight. What Douglass achieved in this story was giving a voice for slaves without physically protesting. Throughout the story‚ he told stories of his fellow slaves being burned alive and the torture. Telling these stories would definitely give slave owners
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In Frederick Douglass’ speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” he compels his audience to make a stand against slavery. This newfound motivation to abolish slavery established within the audience members is derived from his strong use of rhetorical devices such as pathos‚ and tone. Although we cannot audibly hear his tone‚ Douglass’ tone is most clearly seen in his speech through his choice in diction. At first he is humble and patriotic which is precisely what his audience expects from
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Ethan Holmes Professor Hohmann ENG 101 9/25/11 Frederick Douglass is trying to persuade his audience by using number of charismatic traits‚ such as ethos‚ pathos‚ and logos. Douglass starts out his essay by expressing what the Fourth of July is to slaves in comparison to the rest of America: "What have I ‚ or those I represent‚ to do with your national independence"(Douglass 480)? Douglass has credibility because he was a slave(486). He states: "Fellow-citizens‚ above your national‚ tumultuous
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The speech by Frederick Douglass tittle “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July”? Mr. Douglass addresses that from a slave point of view‚ and even to the freed African American‚ the 4th of July is a joke. Douglas uses a number rhetorical strategies to pass on his sentiments about the problem. As he continues with he’s speech‚ he changes gears on the way he addresses the audience. Mr. Douglass to his advantage uses the articulations "you" and "me"‚ "us" and "them"‚ to extend how this event is a two-sided
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