“What to the Slaves Is The Fourth Of July.”

“What to the Slaves Is The Fourth Of July.”

Frederick Douglass

July 5, 1852

“Fellow citizens, pardon me, allow me to ask, why am I called upon to speak here to-day? What have I or those I represent, to do with your national independence? Are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence, extended to us? And am I, therefore, called upon to bring our humble offering to the national alter, and to confess the benefits and express devout gratitude for the blessings resulting from your independence to us?”

In this paragraph, Mr Fredrick Douglass is expressing his utter frustration and humiliation to the people of America. He is speaking on behalf of Black Americans or people of color. Mr Douglass is baffled as to why people of color should part take in forth of July celebrations. He mentions that they are considering it as blessing. But what significance does this occasion have for individuals of color? When one hears the word independence, one thinks about freedom, liberty and forming of a new nation. However, how can individuals of color relate to such, when these basic rights and amenities weren't extended to them. Reality was that the shackles of slavery hadn't been removed. The Fourth of July in fact did not include the black race. It was just a reminder of all the suffering and heartaches of the past, present and the future for blacks because in fact...freedom came at a cost.

America was built on slavery...all the sweat and blood of innocent black men, women and children. How could this day be so glorious? Were they truly in-touch with life that they didn't recognize what the day signified and that it excluded them? Why wasn't it a day of recognition for all the millions of lives that were taken away? Had they forgotten the countless amount of hangings, lynching and other tortuous measures used against them? Why wasn't this, a day of prayer and forgiveness how can this be considered a blessing? It was all a political propaganda...there weren't any morals or ethical values it was all about America claiming Independence.

This article does in fact remind me about Civil Disobedience because, as mentioned before, Civil Disobedience relates to breaking the law and challenging authorities, but usually in a non-violent manner; as stated in your blog. I relate to both articles because there were laws/amendments which were put in place to bind people living in a community as well as to protect the general safety and rights of citizens. However, why is it that it seems to only pertain to one race? How was it possible back then, that only blacks were arrested and convicted for crimes without any evidence or correct judicial order and rights? Individuals of color were sold, lynched, assaulted and mistreated in the public eye, yet these oppressors were not charged for such heinous acts. Where were the government personnels who took an Oath to protect and serve? Why didn't they step in and put an end to these activities?

The government has failed the black race then and it continues somewhat to this day as well. Where is the equality and justice for all? “AMERICA IS SLAVERY”...the screams that fell on deaf ears; the sweat and tear drops that poured out daily; the chains that rattle simultaneously. Where does the 14^th Amendment of the Constitution fall in this world? Protection of the law, rights and privileges to all citizens?