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 …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 …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