Frederick Douglass Injustice

America’s economic and social reliance on slavery dehumanized all enslaved blacks during their struggle for freedom. Immoral slave owners abused their slaves by forcing them to work tirelessly in dangerous conditions, and threatened abuse for even the most trivial offenses, all to ensure that they receive all economic benefit from the labor of their slaves. Despite such oppression, progressives in slavery, such as Frederick Douglass, overcame abuse and opposed enslavement in a struggle that tested all boundaries that defined slavery. Through his valiant efforts, Douglass paved a path for himself that not only affected his own freedom, but acted as a testament to the effectiveness of success only possible with struggle. Frederick Douglass acted …show more content…
Within his first days of freedom, Douglass was alone and isolated from all he knew in his life as a slave, an aspect of his freedom he had not thought of before his escape. He was desperate to find work, particularly in calking, which he had been trained in as a slave. He was alone and desperate for his first few days, threatened by the possibility of recapture into slavery, which was a common threat to many escaped slaves. Despite his fears, he met a man named Mr. Ruggles, who helped many slaves after their escapes from slavery. At this point, Douglass changes his name from Frederick Bailey, his given name, to Frederick Douglass to prevent being recognized and married Anna Murray. Together they begin to build their lives in freedom by moving to New Bedford, where jobs on a shipyard would be available and Douglass could put his expertise to use. This trust in Mr. Ruggles, and his building of a new life show his overcoming of the fear of recapture and his acceptance of freedom and all of its responsibilities. Another struggle Douglass faced was discrimination and acceptance of his race in a society that favored white men. As a new freedman, Douglass was desperate for work to provide for himself and his newly wed wife. He was assigned to work alongside white men who then refused to work aside him because of his race a status as a former slave. This discriminatory act only furthered …show more content…
He refused to accept a life as a slave and was determined to find a route to freedom, despite morbid consequences. His determination to succeed, despite morbid possibilities in case of failure was not only surprising but inspiring. He did not know what to expect in life as a freedman, but continued to fight for such a life in hopes of a better future. Though he was taught from birth never to attempt rebellion, yet he found inspiration within himself to know that he deserved better treatment and opportunity then that which slavery provided. It was overwhelming to see Douglass’s inequality in the North, despite his freedom, but was even more astounding to see how greatly America has changed as a result of the efforts of Douglass and other Abolitionists. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is still relevant in today’s society as it represents the struggle for equality in America and acts as a reminder of the gift of freedom. The narrative itself recounts the horrors of slavery and inspires its audience through its raw accounts of Douglass’s experiences and emotions as he fought for his personal equality. Douglass’s struggles as a slave inspired many in their efforts for freedom from slavery, or as abolitionists wanting to benefit the enslaved. Frederick Douglass is an American pioneer whose efforts towards racial equality and the abolition of slavery helped to revolutionize racial