Friday, May 15, 2020

Essay on Letter to Thomas Jefferson from Frederick Douglass

Letter to Thomas Jefferson from Frederick Douglass Dear Mr. Jefferson: Throughout much of my life I was a slave to the white man. I was, however, luckier than most. I was able to become a freeman, and have since dedicated my life to the abolition of slavery and oppression in this country. This oppression lives on because of the hypocritical nature in which this countrys founding fathers, including you, outlined their independence. Many times throughout your most patriotic document, The Declaration of Independence, you contradict yourself and the ideas that are presented. It appears that the ideals you present are only for those with a white skin such as yours. All other people, for example the American Negro, are not even†¦show more content†¦-- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Although this statement is bold and gives many of your people a sense of patriotism, I see no patriotism in it. Where is my life and liberty and how do you expect me to pursue happiness when I am treated with the same respect that you give your cattle? Additionally, if the government receives its power from the people why am I not heard? The Negroes are the most governed people in this nation, yet they have no say in how they are governed. This seems to contradict the entire basis of your great democratic system. I must assume then that we are not considered to be men in your eyes. I find this hard to believe as well. If you do not consider us to be men then why does your government count us as three-fifths of a person for their census figures? Even more importantly, if we are not men, how can you have a child with one us? You did in fact have an illegitimate child with one of your slaves, didnt you? Are we only men when it is convenient for you? This appears to be the case . If you would open your mind a little you would see that Negroes can become much more. Look at what some of your freed slaves have become. They are, as I stated in a recent speech, #8230;merchants and secretaries, having among us lawyers, doctors, ministers, poets, authors, editors, orators, andShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Eric Foner, Olaudah Equiano In Voices Of Freedom864 Words   |  4 Pagesstricken, began to believe that the whites would eat them; they were later ensured that they were not to be eaten but were to be put to work instead, some may have prefered to just be killed instead. Eric Foner, Letter of Phillis Wheatley (1774), In Voices of Freedom, Vol 1, Page 118 In this letter, Phillis Wheatley is writing to Reverend Samson Occum discussing her appreciation on their shared beliefs that slaves have just as much natural rights as them white folk. Wheatley wrote, â€Å"how well the cry forRead MoreWhat Makes A Great Leader?2212 Words   |  9 Pages government, and public relations. 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