Introduction
In Frederick Douglass’ speech, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July, delivered in 1852, he employs a masterful rhetorical strategy to position himself to his audience, convey his arguments for abolition, and express hope for the future. This occurred during a period marked by the harsh reality of slavery in the United States. This essay will thoroughly analyze Douglass’ introduction, his persuasive approach, and his observations on the discrepancies between the principles upheld in America and the actions taken. This analysis will help highlight the relevance of these inconsistencies in modern American policy and social norms.
Positioning Himself to the Audience During Introduction
In the opening paragraphs of his speech, Douglass strategically positions himself to his audience. He starts by recognizing the significance of the occasion. This included the Fourth of July celebration, which is designed to commemorate American independence and freedom. Douglass begins by establishing a bond with his audience, saying, “Fellow Citizens, I am not wanting in respect for the fathers of this republic” (Douglass 68). The signers of the Declaration of Independence were brave men.” In this way, he shows respect for the Founding Fathers and establishes common ground with his predominantly white audience.
However, Douglass’ rhetorical prowess truly shines as he deftly shifts from an initial tone of respect to a more critical stance. This transition is achieved by his poignant emphasis on the glaring hypocrisy inherent in celebrating freedom while millions of enslaved African Americans remained in bondage. His mastery of language is evident in the powerful declaration, “I am not included within the pale of glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us” (Douglass 68).
In this pivotal moment, Douglass skillfully crafts a stark contrast between the jubilant celebration of freedom on the Fourth of July and the harsh, unrelenting reality endured by enslaved individuals. By employing such vivid and emotionally charged language, he effectively underscores the profound chasm that exists between his predominantly white audience and the enslaved population. This stark juxtaposition forces his listeners to confront the uncomfortable truth: that their celebration of freedom is marred by the grievous injustice of slavery. It is through this striking contrast that Douglass compels his audience to grapple with the moral and ethical implications of their actions and society’s prevailing norms.
The Significance of Douglass’ Positioning
Douglass’ positioning in the introduction is of paramount importance as it sets the stage for his entire argument. By initially aligning himself with his audience and expressing respect for the founding fathers, he avoids alienating them outright. This strategic move allowed him to deliver his critique of slavery from a position of apparent unity and shared values. This approach made his message more palatable to those who might otherwise dismiss his words. More so, Douglass’ ability to navigate between respect and criticism demonstrates his rhetorical skill. He acknowledges the positive aspects of American history and principles while simultaneously challenging his audience to confront the injustice of slavery(Douglass 69). This duality forces his listeners to grapple with the unsettling reality that their commemoration of liberty is tainted by the existence of slavery.
Douglass’ Approach to Persuasion
Douglass employs a variety of persuasive techniques throughout his speech to argue for abolition. He appeals to the audience’s sense of morality and Christian values, drawing attention to the inhumanity of slavery. He states, “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 69). By framing the celebration of the Fourth of July as a day of heightened awareness of injustice, Douglass elicits empathy and challenges the audience’s conscience. He uses emotional language to describe the suffering of enslaved individuals. This enables him to paint a poignant picture of the horrors they endure.
Douglass also points out that the United States is built on fundamental concepts such as independence and self-government. This is a reminder to his audience about the principles mentioned in the Declaration of Independence. The author argues that every single person is created as equals and should be endowed with inalienable rights. This leads them to confront the obvious inconsistency between these beliefs and the institution of slavery. He states, “But your abject terror of offending against the weakest and meanest of oppressors”(Douglass 69). This contradiction forces the audience to make a reflection of the practices.
Douglass’ Hope for the Future
Even in the face of the grim circumstances of slavery and the difficulties he delineates, Douglass retains an optimistic outlook regarding the destiny of America. He holds faith in the possibility of an improved tomorrow and the eradication of the institution of slavery. He expresses this hope when he says, “Allow me to say, in conclusion, notwithstanding the dark picture I have this day presented, of the state of the nation, I do not despair of this country” (Douglass 69). He goes on to emphasize the power of moral persuasion and the eventual triumph of impartiality. Douglass’ optimism is rooted in his belief in the principles of freedom and equality that America was founded upon. He sees the inherent contradiction between these principles and the practice of slavery. More so, he trusts that the conscience of the nation will eventually lead to the abolition of this abhorrent institution.
Inconsistencies in Modern America
Numerous scholars have considered the differences between the principles upheld in the United States and the actions taken. Still exist in contemporary America. Douglass’ critique of celebrating freedom while condoning slavery can be seen as a broader commentary on the tension between rhetoric and reality in American society (Douglass). In many ways, these inconsistencies persist in modern America. This is portrayed in the racial inequality and structural racism that continues to persist. Disparities related to race persist in areas such as education, workforce opportunities, the criminal justice system, and healthcare access, even though the United States is dedicated to the principles of equality and justice for all. These gaps reflect a chasm between the nation’s declared ideals and minority communities’ lived experiences.
Furthermore, there are contradictions evident in discussions surrounding immigration policy. The United States is often viewed as a land of prospects and a sanctuary for those in pursuit of an improved existence. However, undocumented immigrants face severe punishment, family separation at the border, and political hyperbole around immigration. This demonstrates a gap between the country’s welcoming principles and its practices. More so, issues like income inequality, access to healthcare, and environmental justice also highlight discrepancies between American ideals and the realities many citizens face (Douglass 70). The rhetoric of equal opportunity and prosperity clashes with the economic and social disparities that persist in the country.
Conclusion
Frederick Douglass’ speech masterfully positions him to his audience. He employs persuasive techniques to advocate for abolition and expresses hope for America’s future. His critique of the inconsistencies between American ideals and practices remains relevant in modern America. Ongoing debates and disparities in areas such as racial inequality, immigration policy, earnings distribution, and availability of medical services evidence this. His speech serves as a reminder that pursuing justice and equality requires continual examination of these inconsistencies and a commitment to aligning actions with the nation’s professed values.
Work Cited
Douglass, Frederick. “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” Manoa, vol. 34 no. 2, 2022, p. 68-71. Project MUSE. Web.
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