Memory And Perspective Essays Examples

The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negros

The celebration of the 4th of July has always been associated with national pride and glory. However, it is important tit take into account all approaches to the roots and real nature of this holiday that symbolizes the power of American nation.
In the current speech, Douglas addresses to the American people form a position of a slave. He underlines the views of Negros on this holiday that also reveals all the hidden imperfections of the American society (Foner 1950). Together with proper respect towards the founders of American state and the Declaration of Independence, he addresses to all the pain and loses of slaves that were demonstrating the real face of American democracy at that period of time. The signification of this important document failed to stop thin unfair system and therefore it had absolutely another meaning for the people that were not supposed to feel the benefits of freedom.
One of the most impressive evidence is the fats that in the state of Virginia there were found over 70 different types of crime that if committed by a black man resulted in the death penalty for the one. At the same time, only two crimes if committed by a white men ended up with the same decisions if the court.
This draws a strict distinction between white and black people in the country and this differentiation was present in all spheres of life. This raises the question of the manhood of a slave. For the serious part of white Americans, especially the ones from the Southern states, this is a real topic for a discussion. However, the author provides the audience with the numerous evidences that support the statement of slave’s manhood. In the number of books published in the South there were a Styron restrictions with the serious penalties that forbid teaching slaves to read and write. Such documents have never been published for dogs, cats, cows, cattle or other animals.
The equality of Negro’s manhood has always been evident for people who understood the real nature of slavery. Moreover, in case both black and whites are using specific mechanical tools to work, build houses and bridges, while they become writers, artists, musicians and poets, how can they be doubted to have equal manhood? This is followed by the issue of liberty and freedom that has to be a natural right of every man. The author states the wrongfulness of slavery that does not need to be augmented. In present times there is enough evidence to affirm the equality of our manhood.
Man has always been entitled and closely associated with liberty as the most precious component of life. Every man is a complete owner of his own soul and body, of his life and density. There is no other person that can decide for the man. The arguments supported by the personal experience of the speaker and the multiple evidences support the wrong nature of slavery and its unrealistic character within the contemporary society. The author also addresses this question to Republicans that are known for their strict position within the issue.
In the end, the story returns to the beginning point – the 4th of July and the Declaration of Independence. There is hope for change within the American society as it is impossible to remain in the same position that the founders of the American nation had years ago. Moreover, the changing global environment influences the evolution of American social system, views and cultural development. Therefore, it is possible to predict the end of this period of lies and shame. The ruining stereotypes and belief in equality of all American people will bring peace to people’s hearts. Slaves will be able to forget about the great shame of this day only if their terrifying destiny will not be forgotten and this historic lesson will have its results in new social order of total equality and respect.

Works Cited

Foner, Philip S. The Life and Writings of Frederick Douglas, Volume II. Pre-Civil War Decade 1850-1860. New York: International Publisher Co., Inc., 1950. Print.