Frederick Douglass

Unlike Henry David Thoreau, Frederick Douglass respected his government and the leaders. Although he agreed to honor them, there were decisions that he disagreed with. Fourth of July is the day that America signed the Declaration of Independence, representing the country's freedom from European control. Frederick Douglass considers this freedom to be laughable considering the African Americans in America were in no way free. He says, "To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony" (Africans). As an ex slave, Frederick Douglass had strong feelings on the topic. Similar to Thoreau's pledge to not pay taxes that supported slavery, Douglass spoke out against the problem in America and made scenes of his own. Frederick Douglass's The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro simply states the confusion that he had with slavery. Douglass found it hard to believe that a country that had successfully fought for its own freedom continued to hold control over their own citizens. He claimed, "Standing there identified with the American bondman, making his wrongs mine, I do not hesitate to declare, with all my soul, that the character and conduct of this nation never looked blacker to me than on this 4th of July" (Africans). Frederick  Douglass shared his opinions on slavery and backed them up with knowledge. He pointed out the beatings that were given to slaves, the selling and trading of the workers, and the tearing apart of families, all portraying as if the African American did not truly own their own body. Because of the importance of religion during this time period, Douglass is smart to show that God does not find such brutal behavior to be 'divine' (Africans). Even with his strong feelings towards slavery, Frederick Douglass still feels a pride for his country on this day. Not only is he excited for the triumphs the now free country has overcome, but he is also hopeful of what is to come for all citizens of America. 


"Africans in America/Part 4/Frederick Douglass Speech." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Web. 07 Feb. 2012.