Bullying defined on Merriam-Webster is “abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful, etc.”. In the book “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” Frederick Douglass goes into detail of what slavery was and the effects that it had on the slaves and the slave owners. In addition, slavery in America could be considered a severe case of bulling. Were slaves not abused, mistreated, and used by a people stronger and powerful? By analyzing Frederick Douglass’ autobiography, it is possible to see the toll of bullying and abuse of power on both parties, how to put an end to its grasp, and how it has effected and still affecting people today. In the first few chapters, Douglass is telling the
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Auld was yelling at Mrs. Auld for educating a slave, Douglass understood that in order to overcome bondage was to become smarter than those in control. When Mr. Auld said “how to read, there would be no keeping him. It would for- ever unfit him to be a slave. He would at once become unmanageable, and of no value to his master. As to himself, it could do him no good, but a great deal of harm. It would make him discontented and unhappy” (Douglass 36). It was at this time, that Douglass listened to Mr. Auld’s words very carefully a realized that his masters fear of education of slaves was his salvation and road to freedom. Douglass became aware that beating his bullies physically wouldn’t work, it would have to be words, reason, and education. A common misunderstanding of victims is to be a bully or to take advantage of someone else to become equal to their abuser. That will only make the victim a bully and will create a never-ending cycle of pain and suffering for the bully, as well as the …show more content…
It is also notable that slavery in America can also be defined as an extreme case of bullying and abuse of power. Douglass’ struggles and escape from slavery can be applied to our society today by learning and becoming smarter than the oppressors. When that is done the best thing to do would be to help others in similar situations. If people in this day in age did this, our societies would be in a much better condition regarding bullying and abuse difficulties. To conclude, Frederick Douglass was born into terrible conditions, survived, and eventually prevailed, victims of bullying and abuse can be strong just like he was and overcome those who oppress them, the only thing needed is
Auld was yelling at Mrs. Auld for educating a slave, Douglass understood that in order to overcome bondage was to become smarter than those in control. When Mr. Auld said “how to read, there would be no keeping him. It would for- ever unfit him to be a slave. He would at once become unmanageable, and of no value to his master. As to himself, it could do him no good, but a great deal of harm. It would make him discontented and unhappy” (Douglass 36). It was at this time, that Douglass listened to Mr. Auld’s words very carefully a realized that his masters fear of education of slaves was his salvation and road to freedom. Douglass became aware that beating his bullies physically wouldn’t work, it would have to be words, reason, and education. A common misunderstanding of victims is to be a bully or to take advantage of someone else to become equal to their abuser. That will only make the victim a bully and will create a never-ending cycle of pain and suffering for the bully, as well as the …show more content…
It is also notable that slavery in America can also be defined as an extreme case of bullying and abuse of power. Douglass’ struggles and escape from slavery can be applied to our society today by learning and becoming smarter than the oppressors. When that is done the best thing to do would be to help others in similar situations. If people in this day in age did this, our societies would be in a much better condition regarding bullying and abuse difficulties. To conclude, Frederick Douglass was born into terrible conditions, survived, and eventually prevailed, victims of bullying and abuse can be strong just like he was and overcome those who oppress them, the only thing needed is