Rhetorical Analysis Of What To The Slave Is Fourth Of July

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“What to the slave is Fourth of July” This is a historical speech by Frederick Douglas, a civil rights activists and Author. Frederick Douglas focused mainly on American slavery. He states many points as to why whites should celebrate this day. However, he adds that the Fourth of July means nothing to the blacks because they were still slaves. He wanted to signify the captivity of black during the time of the Independence. Douglas emphasizes that whites expect blacks to celebrate the American Independence when in reality they were slaves.
Frederick Douglas starts off by praising the founding fathers and all the work they have done for the country. He says they were all gathered to celebrate this day, as it is meant for them. He reminds them that the nation belongs to them, because this is the day when their nation decided to take action in getting their rights. Douglas goes on and gives more reasons why they should rejoice and be joyful. This was not a speech to praise those men instead, he was there to remind them of how unjust they are. He wants to know are those natural right included in the Declaration of independence also for blacks? How can nations fight for freedom, whilst having millions of Negroes captured, slaved and treated like animals? Douglas believes that slavery will be put to an end, …show more content…
He explains what they think independence means to them as oppose to what it means for the slaves. He states that “The sunlight that brought light and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth of July is yours not mine. To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems were inhumane mockery and sacrilegious irony” (7). Although he indirectly reasoned his title, he professes whites hypocritical and arrogant ways. The point being made there is that whites undoubtedly supported slavery even though they claim to condemn
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