Introduction
The question of race and equal opportunities remain sensitive for generations provoking the desire to harm other people. For years, a viable solution to these avalanches of negative desires and emotions, where one racial or ethnic group wants to take control over the other, has remained elusive. However, historians and other experts in racial relations would agree to the fact that African-Americans have suffered the most in terms of racial aggressions, denial of equal opportunities, and slavery. In their turn, the African-Americans have remained resilient facing adversity to tax their way into success despite being condemned to inhuman and abhorrent working conditions. In this perspective, many can find meaning in Fredrick Douglas’ popular phrase that ‘if there is no struggle, there is no progress.’
Biography of Fredrick Douglas
Born in February 1817, Fredrick Douglas propelled himself to fame by “sheer force of character and talents that neither slavery nor caste proscription could crush” (Chesnut 1). The two attributes – character and talents – are central to the direction that life takes thus involving all possible challenges.
However, when our struggles are combined with a mixture of character traits and talents, no challenge can curtail our success. Douglas’ assertion can best be captured by the rise of Barrack Obama as the 44th president of the United States. A couple of years ago, no one, either black or white, could have imagined that an African-American could rule the US in the 21st century. However, Obama’s success has been assured through overcoming vigorous battles. An important implication for us is that there is no barrier, which is hard to break.
Douglas’ popular phrase is an illuminating illustration of the capabilities endowed on humankind to conquer the environment and its barriers (Chesnut 1). The prevailing circumstances during Douglas’ lifetime subjected him to slavery, mental and physical anguish. However, this multiplicity of negative influences on his life did not did not prevent him form becoming a free man and a respected leader in his time. Such as resolve has great implications on us to continue soldering on to achieve success despite the difficulties. Although racial relations have somehow improved, instances of racism and discrimination still prevail in major cities across the world.
Motivation in the quote
Despite such selective administration of opportunities based on racial issues, the oppressed people must concentrate their effort to overcome the presented challenges. In the same way, Frederick Douglas had to overcome the devastating effects of slavery. Douglas’ phrase teaches us the values of resilience, hard work, and determination in shaping our destinies (Chesnut 12). In a personal revelation, I have been playing tennis for the last 8 years, working extremely hard in the hope to get a tennis scholarship to college. Many are the times that I feel like giving up but Douglas’ phrase keeps lifting my spirits when I am down. Through his phrase, I have come to realize that success does not come easily; but with a good attitude, perseverance, and character. Therefore, I will surely succeed to win the coveted scholarship to college.
Conclusion
Many individuals across the world are in such a position as I am. Indeed, struggle must be seen beyond the realms of slavery or racial discrimination, as it were in Douglas’ lifetime. In this perspective, fight can be seen as a linear ingredient used to achieve the desired result – success. We fight against our school system so that we may pass examinations and to find an appropriate job, which is commensurate to the needs of the job market.
We struggle in our jobs so that we can have enough money to sustain our families and give them a decent education. We also struggle to align our behaviors to the expectations set by society. In this perspective, the term ‘struggle’ can be used as a means to achieve positive results that will help us to enjoy life in its full vigor. Consequently, we must struggle to achieve progress.
Works Cited
Chesnut, C.W. Frederick Douglas. Devon: Courier Dover Publications. 2002. Web.