Fourth Of July Essay

To many, the Fourth of July was a day to celebrate the anniversary of the United States signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776. However, to others it was a day to realize the injustices and brutality that many people lived in. Frederick Douglass was not only an African American political activist, but also an extraordinary speaker who desired to abolish slavery. He addressed the problem of American slavery from a slave 's point of view throughout his notorious Independence Day Speech At Rochester when he said, “What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim.” Douglass explained from his

Baldwin will be remembered as one of the greatest writers, especially for his essays on the experiences that black people had in America. Baldwin had one goal throughout this essay and it was to specify why education was important when he said, “The purpose of education, finally, is to create in a person the ability to look at the world for himself, to make his own decisions, to say to himself this is black or this is white.” Baldwin concluded that education is important because it forces people to know their own morality. Baldwin’s theory closely aligns with Douglass’ thoughts because at the end of Douglass’ speech he criticizes America for its mindset towards slavery. If an individual were to get educated correctly and actually know the importance their education, Douglass wouldn’t have to address this problem to America because every person would have and use their own morality and/or knowledge. Baldwin’s theory for education could not only improve an individual 's morality but also it could help someone figure out who they truly are. Finding yourself is important part in one 's life because it defines who you truly are not who you want to be or who you are when you’re around certain people. Also, Baldwin says, “It is your responsibility to change society if you think of yourself as an educated person.” Having been an educated person Baldwin believed it was

Overall, A Talk to Teachers, The House Divided Speech, and Message to the Grassroots all closely relate to Douglass’ Independence Day Speech at Rochester. Douglass’ speech was very significant to the people because he portrayed both a freeman and a slave 's perspective on what should be an admirable holiday to everyone, and also a way to resist the white supremacists. A Talk to Teachers related back to Douglass’ speech because Baldwin believed education had a direct relationship with morality and how people react themselves to society. Also, The House Divided Speech related back to Douglass’ speech because Lincoln and Douglass both had one goal which was to cease slavery. Finally, A Message to the Grassroots relates to Douglass’ speech because Malcolm X had very similar understanding as Douglass which was to use violence to resist the white