LAD #16: Frederick Douglas 5th of July speech

      The reason that Frederick Douglas' speech was written the day after the holiday the fourth of July was because he wanted to make a point about the fourth of July means something different to slaves than it does to the white Americans who have been celebrating it.  Considering he was once a slave as well this day meant nothing special to him because he was not emancipated on the fourth of July. He goes into the grievances of all slaves who still have to work under all the poor conditions that slavery brings on them. He explains what the fourth of July is like for slaves, which is basically like every painful day they have to endure as a slave.  He says that if he were to celebrate this holiday than he would be seen as a hypocrite by going back on his original views. He references God and religion through this speech and says that slavery goes against not only the constitution but also the bible. It goes against all rights that people are promised with life. He is amazed by the lack of equality that is still present in America because America is supposed to be the land of freedom and equality but has not yet accomplished this promise that was supposed to be promised to all people. Over all though, the fourth of July is mainly for the white man and is just a symbol of injustice for Douglas and those who have been under slavery.