Frederick Douglass: What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? Overview: Both Audr

Frederick Douglass: What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?
Overview: Both Audre Lorde and Frederick Douglass write about America’s national holiday. However, Lorde writes a personal narrative whereas Douglass writes an essay. You have read Lorde’s narrative; now, as you read Douglass’s essay, take notes of any ideas or themes that you find interesting, appealing, captivating, enlightening, or worthy of further thought. Save your notes. Moreover, complete Task 3 (below) by posting your answers into this discussion. Given below are the printed and video copies of Frederick Douglass’s “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”
TASK 1: Read the manuscript as you listen to the recording.
TASK 2: Annotate as you read and listen.
Read https://masshumanities.org/files/programs/douglass/speech_abridged_med.pdf
Listen tohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-cVwuMmylALinks to an external site.
TASK 3: WRITE
Discussion Questions (2 pts. each; 10 pts. total)
Why does Douglass appeal to the Constitution in the last section of the speech? What is surprising about this appeal?
To what other elements in the American political tradition does he appeal?
Given all that he has said in his speech, why does Douglass conclude on an optimistic note for black Americans?
What reasons does he give for optimism?
What are your feelings about the Fourth of July Holiday?
Submission Guidelines for Discussion Questions
Please write your initial posts in complete sentences.
Reply to at least one other classmate in this discussion with a substantive response (3-5 sentences): 4 pts. total. In your response, do one of the following:
Ask a probing question.
Offer a suggestion.
Elaborate on a particular point.
Provide an alternative opinion.
Points Breakdown
Points for discussion questions: 10
Points for responding to 1 other: 4 Total points possible: 14
Discussion Questions
Why does Douglass appeal to the Constitution in the last section of the speech? What is surprising about this appeal?
To what other elements in the American political tradition does he appeal?
Given all that he has said in his speech, why does Douglass conclude on an optimistic note for black Americans?
What reasons does he give for optimism?
What are your feelings about the Fourth of July Holiday?