Summary of "5th of July" by Frederick Douglas
Frederick Douglas spoke for the 4th of July in Rochester about slavery and the 4th of July. Typically 4th of July speeches are nationalistic and liberty filled. However, Douglas took on a different approach as he explained the mockery that the national holiday imposes on African Americans. While white men get to celebrate independence, for African Americans it is just a day when whites celebrate "equality" despite all of the oppression they have imposed upon Blacks. He goes into detail about all of the hardship and cruelty imposed on slaves. This makes the holiday an even more oppressive and brutal day for African American. Douglas concludes by stating that he will denounce slavery to his best ability and do it in a way that is just. Lastly, he says that slavery is the most vile and inhuman act.
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