-Fredrick Douglass, The North Star

His point was clear, all those years ago. As Fredrick Douglass presented his thoughts in front of the citizens of Rochester in 1852; they came expecting to hear a proclamation of national greatness, a celebration of liberty on the fourth of July. Instead, they heard a stirring denunciation of slavery and the white American way of life. Ex-Slave, Fredrick Douglass was asked by local leaders to deliver a speech as part of their Fourth of July celebration in front of a crowd whose majority was undoubtedly white.(Wheeler) They most likely approved of slavery possibly even owning slaves themselves.(Payne) Little did they know that Douglass was preparing to use this opportunity to let White America know that this is a celebration of white independence, not Black independence. He let them know that the "white" Fourth of July has a completely different meaning to the Negro men and women who still have not gained their independence from the white Americans who now celebrate theirs. The phrase "all men are created equal"(constitution) to these men an

Douglass is doing many things with is phrasing in this speech. He is both accusing his audience, and informing them. He is also both arguing, and persuading them. He accomplishes this feat by using clear cut and undeniable logic. His main arguments against slavery consisted of two very simple principals. First, he says that Black men are not animals and do not deserve to be treated as such.(Williams) He says that when we are "unable to distinguish the slave from a brute, then I will argue with you that the slave is a man!"(Douglass) Second, he states that if Black and White men alike are able to work the same jobs, raise children together, and worship God together why are they still not equal? Why are some still held as slaves?

3) Troup, Calvin L. Duquesne Public Speaking Workbook.

2) Linda Wheeler, Inspiration for a Servant of Freedom. The Washington Post. 2-14-2000

d women seems to be a blatant lie, and Douglas is able to take this opportunity to bring this to the audience's attention.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 818
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)