Tensions seem to rise every day in America as social issues continue to divide a nation many believe was once grounded on values of independence and equality. Planned parenthood funding has sparked controversy throughout the country while gay rights is still an ongoing battle in the community. A major issue that has gained the attention from the entire country is the Black Lives Matter movement. In 2016, Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the United States national anthem in protest to the racial injustice towards black Americans. Since his act of defense for social justice, many others have followed behind. Not only has this impacted the black community but has also changed the vision of minority communities throughout America. However, bigotry and division has existed hundreds of years before Kaepernick’s actions. Frederick Douglass delivered a speech in 1852 titled “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” in which he strongly describes the Fourth of July as a mockery to all slaves, even those freed. Douglass’ speech has helped me view Kaepernick’s movement through various perspectives including Douglass’.
Frederick Douglass played a critical role in the abolitionist movement and was an avid critic of American policy. He criticized slavery and claimed it was a contradiction in what American life supposedly stood for. In his speech, he claims the fourth of July as a day that reminded slaves and ex-slaves, such as himself, that there was no equal liberty in place as the Declaration of Independence claimed. The speech was originally expressed to an audience of wealthy abolitionist women honoring the Declaration of Independence at an event in Rochester, New York. Although the audience supported the emancipation of all slaves, Douglass’ intent was to raise awareness among the divided nation by asking who, in general, and among everyone in the country, would be blinded enough to support a holiday that does not apply to all: “Who so stolid and selfish, that would not give his voice to swell the hallelujahs of a nation’s jubilee, when the chains of servitude had been torn from his limbs?” Although the crowd was gathered for the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society event, Douglass recognized the oblivious minds of others beyond just women. After Kaepernick’s questionable kneel, he explained he was “not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” Unlike Kaepernick, Douglass’ fight was to challenge the values of all American citizens whether they supported him or not. Kaepernick’s initial focus was the act of abuse on black men and women and police brutality. Further into the speech, Douglass’ vision alters to not halt others from celebrating their freedom on the Fourth of July but to bring awareness that all slaves could not stand by the principles of the Declaration of Independence and commemorate the occasion with them. He states: “The Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” His idea is centered around inclusion and unity, such as honoring the Declaration of Independence as one united nation. His statement “argue more and denounce less would you persuade more and rebuke less, your cause would be much more likely to succeed” defines that he believes in the white abolitionist to support him and their aid in vocalizing the importance of universal freedom could potentially result in the argument he’s making – freedom for all slaves. He focuses his ideas around different perspectives. He continues to envision himself in the lens of his audience and speaks to their mindset: “But I fancy someone of my audience say, it is just in this circumstance that you and your brother abolitionist fail to make a favorable impression on the public mind.” He states that the lack of freedom exists because abolitionist are not convincing enough to inform the public on the issue. Douglass also refers to the Declaration of Independence as “that” Declaration of Independence in his opening line. By referring to the Declaration of Independence as “that”, he’s representing the separation of freedom between slaves and free Americans and how slaves cannot claim the Declaration of Independence as their own. The use of rhetorical questions leads up to Douglass explaining that his debate is not one to be argued with but that the obvious answer is if we categorize slaves as men, then he, too, should be granted freedom. He uses pronouns such as “I” and “you” to emphasize the difference between someone like him and someone who can truly enjoy celebrating the holiday.
In society today, there are certain rights which people of color feel cannot be shared with fellow Americans because of the actions that have occurred over the past years with police brutality and other acts of injustice towards minorities. This speech delivers a message, that when heard today, especially in this political climate, packs a punch because of the social issues present. It is not just a speech to highlight hypocrisy from the nation, but to call upon change and that if it did not end then, it would continue for years to come. The quote “For it is not light that is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake” is relatable to today’s activism because it is not asking for people to be concerned, it is asking for action. Not only does this quote apply to citizens, but to politicians, as well. Colin Kaepernick took action himself when he decided to kneel during the national anthem. If a speech like this were given to a group of college students today who knew little about Frederick Douglass, it would have a huge impact because they are very much aware of the injustices of our nation. We have the likes of social media and the internet to inform civilians of tragedies that are not only happening in America but all over the world and a speech like this could help bring people together for a common cause just as the Black Lives Matter movement has done. If Frederick Douglass were alive today to witness the Black Lives Matter movement, based on his speech in 1852, he would fully support the actions Colin Kaepernick, black Americans and supporting citizens have made. He passionately states in his speech that “The feeling of the nation must be quickened; the conscience of the nation must be roused; the propriety of the nation must be startled; the hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed; and its crimes against God and man must be proclaimed and denounced.” The Black Lives Matter organization has gone to great lengths to make an impact on the lives of the oppressed today and has caused controversy throughout the entire nation. Not only would Douglass stand behind the movement because of the actions the organization has taken but because of the similar hypocrisies society faces today as it did in the past.
Douglass opens his speech with “What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence?” He addresses himself as the representation of all slaves and even freed slaves that do not claim the fourth of July as a celebration of freedom. In September 2018, Colin Kaepernick became the face of Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ anniversary campaign. The campaign caused a large amount of controversy considering the billion-dollar company is supporting a man that many believed turned his back on his country. Just like Douglass, Kaepernick has become the representation, as what started off as, suffering black Americans at the hands of police but is now the face of change beyond social acceptance. Frederick Douglass was clearly addressing more than just the audience this day; he was addressing the divided nation of America and used similar tactics to those of a modern-day politician. He points out the shared principles that every American should have and continues to challenge the ideas. He also brings awareness to the sentiment of slaves and how this is not a holiday they feel they can celebrate. In society today, nearly 200 years later, we are facing some tension and it seems to be a divided nation because of similar issues: politics we don’t agree with, violence against African Americans, and immigration rights.