LAD #16

In What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" Frederick Douglas brings forward the hypocrisy of the American people in regards to their ideal of liberty. The United States was established on the basic principles of freedom and equality. When asked to speak for the holiday, Douglas could not see how a nation dedicated to liberty, that worked in the international arena to extend democracy, could allow slavery within its borders. This practice went against not only the principle of liberty, but against the Bible, the Constitution, and nature. Douglas also noted that on the Fourth of July the oppression of slavery became pronounced. On the holiday, slaves would observe their masters celebrating independence. In doing so, it would become painfully obvious that the idea of freedom was understood and cherished by the American people, but that it was deliberately withheld from African Americans. African Americans were entitled to freedom. Not only was that a basic human right according to Douglas, but African Americans also accounted for a large percent of the American work force and contributed greatly to the development of the country. They were laborers, teachers, lawyers, doctors, and orators. Douglas concluded his speech by resolving to remain actively seized in the matter of abolition.