Since the birth of the United States of America, there have always been issues that have split the country. These hot-topics have changed over time, in the recent years we’ve seen the repercussions of the divide over gay marriage. Currently, we face racial inequalities that many believe to need a reformation. These racial inequities have existed for much longer, however. In 1791, we saw this inequality in slavery; one of the most disgusting things this country has ever faced. There have always been advocates for such issues, even in the late 1700s. In a letter written to Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Banneker manages to establish a compelling argument against slavery via an assortment of rhetorical techniques.
Banneker maintained a concept of logical thinking and reasoning throughout his letter. While some may see Banneker’s reasoning as a guilt-trip of sorts, it is just as easily comprehended as a well thought-out and logical argument. By mentioning the beliefs that Jefferson employed when he wrote the famous Declaration of Independence, Banneker reminded Jefferson of the times when he felt the “tyranny of the British Crown.” Banneker emphasized the “freedom and tranquility” that Jefferson felt at the time this letter was written. He also prompted Jefferson to remember the times when all of America was the “State of Servitude” to Britain. America fought tooth and nail to break away from the tyranny. Then, the same agenda was pushed onto the African population by slavery. If Jefferson hated this “State of Servitude” so much, how could he possibly stand for the exact same idea being pushed onto the Africans? Through this logical analysis of Jefferson’s beliefs, Banneker pushed a valid argument against slavery. This valid argument against slavery was upheld by more than just logic. Banneker backed up his dissenting letter with historical evidence. He utilized a direct quotation from the very “true and valuable doctrine” that Jefferson wrote as a basis for “all succeeding ages.” Utilizing the document that Jefferson wrote to contend slavery was a clever move for the “son of former slaves.” Banneker quoted the part of the Declaration of Independence that spoke on the idea that “all men are created equal.” He used this as documentation of pure hypocrisy on Jefferson’s part. No man would be put into slavery if it were true that every person was “created equal.” No man would endure the pain, beating, and abuse from slavery if it were true that every person was “created equal.” No man would be split from his …show more content…
He attempted to draw emotional support from Jefferson. Banneker asked Jefferson to step in his shoes, to go back to that “State of Servitude” and see the “injustice of a state of slavery.” He also questioned Jefferson’s authority and honesty. Banneker reminded him that if he supports the “state of slavery,” he may as well have been “found guilty” of the “most criminal act,” the very same one that he had so “professedly detested.” Banneker calls Jefferson’s acts “pitiable.” Banneker calls for Jefferson and America to “wean… from those narrow prejudices.” One could take these statements as denunciations and slander, but they were written with the utmost respect towards the author of the Declaration of Independence. Banneker hoped Jefferson would see this admiration and sympathize to him, rather than throw it out as mere hate speech. The use of this logical empathy was nearly
Banneker maintained a concept of logical thinking and reasoning throughout his letter. While some may see Banneker’s reasoning as a guilt-trip of sorts, it is just as easily comprehended as a well thought-out and logical argument. By mentioning the beliefs that Jefferson employed when he wrote the famous Declaration of Independence, Banneker reminded Jefferson of the times when he felt the “tyranny of the British Crown.” Banneker emphasized the “freedom and tranquility” that Jefferson felt at the time this letter was written. He also prompted Jefferson to remember the times when all of America was the “State of Servitude” to Britain. America fought tooth and nail to break away from the tyranny. Then, the same agenda was pushed onto the African population by slavery. If Jefferson hated this “State of Servitude” so much, how could he possibly stand for the exact same idea being pushed onto the Africans? Through this logical analysis of Jefferson’s beliefs, Banneker pushed a valid argument against slavery. This valid argument against slavery was upheld by more than just logic. Banneker backed up his dissenting letter with historical evidence. He utilized a direct quotation from the very “true and valuable doctrine” that Jefferson wrote as a basis for “all succeeding ages.” Utilizing the document that Jefferson wrote to contend slavery was a clever move for the “son of former slaves.” Banneker quoted the part of the Declaration of Independence that spoke on the idea that “all men are created equal.” He used this as documentation of pure hypocrisy on Jefferson’s part. No man would be put into slavery if it were true that every person was “created equal.” No man would endure the pain, beating, and abuse from slavery if it were true that every person was “created equal.” No man would be split from his …show more content…
He attempted to draw emotional support from Jefferson. Banneker asked Jefferson to step in his shoes, to go back to that “State of Servitude” and see the “injustice of a state of slavery.” He also questioned Jefferson’s authority and honesty. Banneker reminded him that if he supports the “state of slavery,” he may as well have been “found guilty” of the “most criminal act,” the very same one that he had so “professedly detested.” Banneker calls Jefferson’s acts “pitiable.” Banneker calls for Jefferson and America to “wean… from those narrow prejudices.” One could take these statements as denunciations and slander, but they were written with the utmost respect towards the author of the Declaration of Independence. Banneker hoped Jefferson would see this admiration and sympathize to him, rather than throw it out as mere hate speech. The use of this logical empathy was nearly