Introduction
David Walker and Henry Highland Garnet significantly contributed to developing African American activism in 19th-century America. Appealing to Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, both authors expressed their points of view on the real situation in American society. Although their appeal shares a common theme and message with those of Rev. Lemuel Haynes, enslaved veterans in New Hampshire, and Phillis Wheatley, Walker, and Garnet are more radical and militant in their statements. They do not just call out to Christianity but accuse white Americans of mistreating black people.
Argument Comparison
When comparing the arguments of Walker and Garnet with Haynes, the difference in rhetoric becomes apparent. Even though Haynes was aware of the cruelty of slavery and called for equal treatment of all people, his statements were predominantly religious. They appealed to the equality of people before God. As a white American, Haynes didn’t experience what blacks have experienced for years.
On the other hand, Walker’s and Granet’s appeals are written on behalf of the oppressed, which is why their lyrics are not just a call for justice based on general notions of humanity but have a personal underground. Walker (1829) repeatedly refers to white brutality faced by blacks, including enslavement, beatings, and murder. Its text does not just call for the abolition of slavery and equality for all in America, but a call for rebellion.
Moreover, Garnet’s “Call to Rebellion” also has radical rhetoric and an obvious call for rebellion against the arbitrariness and cruelty of white Americans that people of color constantly face. He encouraged enslaved people to fight for their freedom actively, even if it meant risking their lives. Garnet (1843) argued that it is better to die in pursuit of freedom than to continue living in slavery. He rejected the idea of waiting for gradual emancipation or hoping for the goodwill of white Americans, emphasizing the need for direct action.
The personal experience of Walker and Garnet as representatives of people of color probably had the most significant influence on the formation of their views, general mood, and rhetoric. Faced with racism and discrimination personally, they have developed more militant and radical views on the need to fight against the oppressive conditions faced by free and enslaved black Americans. According to Walker (1829), white Americans refused to accept the established freedom and equality of Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, which is the key problem. It is noteworthy that, unlike previous authors, neither Walker nor Garnet accuses Jefferson of wrongness in his statements but focuses on the problems of white society.
Conclusion
Hence, David Walker’s and Henry Highland Garnet’s appeals differ from previous texts against Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence. First, these texts are more radical and militant since they are written on behalf of representatives of an oppressed group of the population who have experienced cruelty and discrimination from whites. Second, these texts are not focused on attacking Jefferson’s ideas but on a call to fight and confront ongoing injustice. The authors call on black people to rise and fight for equality and fundamental human rights.
References
Garnet, H. H. (1843). Call to Rebellion. Africans in America. Web.
Walker, D. (1829). Appeal [PDF document]. Web.