Introduction
It's no secret that America can be notoriously recognized to have a checkered past when referring to the oppression of slaves, yet somehow this entire era of American history seems to be overlooked on a certain holiday marked on the 4th day of each July- the historic day of America's independence from Britain. Narration It is perceived as a generally positive holiday- a unanimous celebration of America's independence and commencement as a country of its own, free from the controlling habits of Great Britain. Ironically, these same controlling habits were simultaneously still being implemented in the form of slavery and were not abolished until slightly under a century after the Declaration of of independence was signed. Division The irony lies within the Declaration itself- a document intended to grant "Independence" to all citizens of America, yet one that blatantly ignored the existence of the large population of oppressed slaves that resided on American soil at the time. Douglass focuses his argument on this claim exactly, however it is also necessary to recognize and celebrate the importance of America's independence from the founding country while still considering the continuation of slavery as well. Proof Douglass portrays the 4th of July as a "hollow mock" to slaves, and while this could be justified, it should be noted that this holiday is not, nor was it ever intended to purposefully mock the suffering endured by American slaves at the time (Douglass 15). It is meant as a celebration of liberty and overall freedom for this country, not as a mockery of the lack of freedom possessed by slaves. Refutation To say that the fourth of July is entirely evil would be a harsh exaggeration, for it is a mere expression of hope that has evolved over the years to currently include every single American and fulfill its initial goal. Conclusion On this day, we light fireworks, we grill good food, and we gather to celebrate a day of freedom, but we must not forget the unimaginable struggles endured by American slaves in the same year that this country was said to be free from all oppression, and we must never forget the long journey that these heros have taken to progress this country into the beautiful image of equality that it resembles today.
2 Comments
The following conversation is shared between Reverend Parris and Abigail Williams in act 1 of "The Crucible", and here it is rewritten to incorporate rhetorical strategies mentioned in Heinrichs' "Thank you for Arguing". In this conversation, Abigail Williams is using these strategies to convince her uncle that she has not done anything wrong.
PARRIS: He is kneeling at Betty’s bedside, waiting for her to awaken. He speaks with sorrow in his voice. Abigail, please come to me. ABIGAIL: She enters and walks cautiously towards him and sits near the bed. Yes, sir? PARRIS: Abigail, I must know what it is that you did in the forest. There are countless loose ends, and nothing is seeming to make any sense at all. Tell me; did you summon spirits? ABIGAIL: No sir! We did nothing of the sorts. We only wanted to dance… PARRIS: But why? Why would you do such a thing? Do you realize that you have put everything I have in danger? Betty’s life is on the line here, and so is my relationship with the citizens of Salem. Do you understand how difficult it was to build my respect? How am I to defend you if I don’t even know the truth? ABIGAIL: Rising to her feet- But you do know the truth! I can swear by it! I would never do anything to hurts Betty, and I am deeply sympathetic for her at this time. It hurts me to see her like this and I would do anything to help her if I could (Tactical flaw). And sir, I am aware that you have worked tirelessly to secure your reputation, but you must know that I have done nothing to jeopardize that. And sir, I know that it looked as if we were going against our beliefs somehow, but we would never betray our God! (Concession). We are good, Christian girls, you know this to be true! PARRIS: He looks at her skeptically, unsure if he is able to trust in her claim or not. He sighs, Abigail, you know of my stature, yes? ABIGAIL: Yes, but this doesn’t- PARRIS: So yes, you understand that I have many enemies. Many are out to get me, to discredit me, and to hurt me. They may use whatever is valid to tear me down, so I will ask you once more. What was going on that night? ABIGAIL: Uncle, you must trust me. I love you and I love Betty so dearly! We were looking for a little fun, that’s all, but it was all innocent. I keep a good name, sir. I attend church. I do no wrong! (Decorum) PARRIS: Alright. I am choosing to trust you. You are a good soul Abigail. I will do everything in my power to defend you honor.
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