Frederick Douglass A False Sense Of Freedom Essay

A False Sense of Freedom “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” is a speech written by Frederick Douglass. The speech ridicules America for having slaves in their nation when they themselves were subjects of Britain not too long ago. In his speech, Douglass writes about all the ways America really is not a free country for everyone and mocks them for having a holiday that celebrates something that only exist to a select few. He writes, “No nation can now shut itself up from the surrounding world and trot round in the same old path of its father without interference. The was when such could be done. Long established customs of hurtful character could formerly fence themselves in, and do their evil work with social impunity ….Intelligence is penetrating the darkest corners of the globe. It makes its pathway over and under the sea, as well as the earth”(1042). I believe his idea still encapsulates the American ‘idea’, but we are still far from …show more content…
Stricter laws are starting to make decisions for us, people are being monitored without their knowledge, and we are no longer a safe haven for refugees. Douglass writes, “You invite to your shores fugitives of oppression from abroad, honor them with banquets, greet them with ovations, cheer them, toast them, salute them, protect them, and pour your money to them like water”(1041). I know first hand that America welcomes and treats refugees better than their own people. With thousands of refugees fleeing Syria, America has opened their door to them. I agree with Douglass stating that refugees are treated better, they come here and receive welcomings, homes and food. Yet, we still have thousands of people in our country homeless and a lot of them are veterans who fought for this very country. I believe that if we stopped caring so much about the people of other countries and focused on our own people and problems, America would be superior