Introduction: In Frederick Douglass' "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July," his logical statements on why African-Americans do not feel similarly about the Fourth of July compared to European-Americans are extremely notable and shed light on the fact that African Americans were treated unequally.
Narration: Ever since people from Africa were enslaved in America, segregation towards African-Americans was prominent - and completely absurd. This resulted in events like the Civil War, the Ku Klux Klan, and other occurrences regarding African-American equality. Division: As American's we should all work together to create equality among all races, as there is still racism happening in the country today. Many people might not have thought about the holiday aspect - myself - with holidays like the Fourth of July honoring America's independence, but with articles like Douglass', it allows people to learn about why African-Americans might not feel the same patriotism during the Fourth of July like European-Americans. Proof: When closing out his speech, Douglass states that to a slave, the Fourth of July is "a day that reveals (...) the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim" (Douglass 16). As an escaped slave, Douglass' claim that slaves do not feel passionate about the Fourth of July is clearly valid, making it more obvious that all should come to realization of this view. Refutation: As for the people who disagree that certain African-Americans should feel this away about the Fourth of July, their close-mindedness will fail in helping America reach full equality potential and justice among all races. Conclusion: Everyone needs to take part in recognizing sentiments like Douglass' "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July;" Imagine if it were you who felt as he did.
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