Federal holidays are associated with joy, but they are often affiliated with unpleasant historical events. In his public speech concerning the Fourth of July, Frederick Douglass expresses a harsh and sincere attitude toward the anniversary and freedom in America. Douglass claims that the only way for him to view Independence Day is from “the slave’s point of view” because the nation’s fathers obtained autonomy for their descendants but not for the enslaved people (3). The orator’s mindset about the holiday is represented through both acknowledging the struggles of those who fought for sovereignty and realizing that liberty was not meant for the black population (Douglass 3). Consequently, Douglass’ attitude regarding freedom in the country is negative because, as a person living in the state, he does not have American privileges (3). Moreover, the speaker appears confused and thinks that he was asked to protrude at the event so that the audience could “mock” him (Douglass 3). Overall, the speech exhibits resentment towards the duality of the Fourth of July.
One can comprehend Douglass’ feelings by pondering more about his words. Douglass proposes that the country’s fathers were “statesmen, patriots, and heroes” striving for freedom (1). Nonetheless, he suggests that the citizens failed to preserve their ancestors’ legacy because America does not provide liberty for everyone (Douglass 2). The speaker claims that the holiday “only reveals the immeasurable distance” between him and the audience (Douglass 3). The orator states that he cannot forget the hardships of chained people and cannot excuse American slavery since it “would be treason most scandalous and shocking” (Douglass 3). Remembering both the endeavors of the nation’s fathers and the experiences of the oppressed, Douglass feels that he cannot share the joy of Independence day because the Fourth of July does not mark sovereignty for everyone.
Work Cited
Douglass, Frederick. “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July.” 1852, Rochester, New York. Speech.