LAD #16

Fredrick Douglas begins his speech by asking why he of all people is worthy of speaking on behalf of the nation's independence? He creates a somewhat ironic note by pointing out the humor behind him, a black man and former slave, being given the honor of speaking on today of all days--the 4th of July. He states that there is a higher power witnessing their state of independence and sadly admits that he does not feel the same joy they do. Having gone through a struggle of his own, he feels that this day separates the two of them even more. The Revolutionary War was colorblind when they teamed up to fend off a similar opponent in the name of freedom, but after their success that taste of freedom was gone. Douglas continues to explain how the people like him were left without life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness despite the nation's "fathers" having given it to those around them. He considers it a joke having been chosen to speak and asks his audience if that's what they considered it when he was elected to write a speech for this occasion. Douglas considers it a true shame for the nation to be celebrating its freedom when there are still people wrapped in chains and secluded in the darkness of slavery. He doesn't seem to understand how people can fight for their rights if they're in trouble, but can't seem to do the same for their black brothers and sisters when they need them the most. Douglas concludes his speech by stating that the nation is filled with savages and bloody practices. He asks the people listening in his audience to collect as much information about cruelties and wrongdoings worldwide and, when they have completed that much, to place it beside the wrongdoings of America. Douglas states that when it comes to vicious and malignant behavior, the United States stands head and shoulders above them all.