In world history, numerous people used their talent for choosing the right words in such a way as to awaken the conscience of people, kindle their hearts, and make them change their behavior for the better. Many great orators and their speeches are still analyzed and studied by students and researchers all over the globe, and people still use some catchphrases from these speeches in their everyday lives. Additionally, selections from many addresses can be applied to the modern world and its problems. For example, Frederick Douglass’s speech “What to a Slave is the Fourth of July” contains such a paragraph.
Frederick Douglass gave this significant address on July 5, 1852, during the Independence Day celebration. He was a former slave, which is why the problem of slavery and injustice faced by Black people worried him. In the selection that is quite relevant to the current events and issues, the speaker exclaims that only blasting reproaches, biting ridicule, and sarcasm can awaken the consciousness of a nation and make people do behave correctly and do the right thing (Douglass). At that time, the orator was referring to the problem of slavery; nowadays, the same may be said about the issue of racial discrimination and racially motivated police brutality.
Unfortunately, there are still people who continue to base their judgment on stereotypes and think that it is necessary to treat others according to the color of their skin and the origin of their ancestors. It is possible to suggest that these individuals will never understand the language of peace and respect. They need to hear sarcasm and ridicule of their views and behavior, which are no longer relevant and, in general, are not protected by law. Decades ago, Douglass mentioned that “the feeling of the nation must be quickened; the conscience of the nation must be roused; the propriety of the nation must be startled,” and this is still relevant these days. People need to expose the nation’s hypocrisy and talk about the crimes of police officers against God and human rights.
Work Cited
Douglass, Frederick. “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro.”PBS, Web.