Similarities Between Frederick Douglass And Benjamin Franklin

Fresh from the sting of England’s strict rule colonial America established itself with cries of freedom and liberty. The ‘American dream’ is an often debated term- generally believed to encourage entrepreneurship, tolerance and liberty. While debated, the mark of a country’s intentions can be seen in whom they respect or whom they deem to be important or relevant.
Colonial America struggled to adhere to their desire for freedom. What seemed a black and white definition was in actuality only favorable to a select few. As in Europe, the rich white men were at ease and power, whilst the lower classes had little voice. Though a national religion had been abandoned, those not believing to at least the principles of a Christian doctrine were suspicious. The intent of freedom, however, was blatantly clear. In looking at the lives of Frederick Douglass and Benjamin Franklin it is possible to recognize America’s true values.
Frederick Douglass was regarded with great respect; even though colonial America’s …show more content…
Franklin had found that when you set a goal and only focus on it you are more likely to be successful. His point on the benefits of perseverance is proven when Douglass lost his focus. Douglass allowed his condition of a slave to [rightly] enrage him, and instead of focusing on his goal of freedom he ended up in a ‘slave-breaking’ farm. At this farm his mentality resorts to that of a slave, to the animal-like mindset necessary for survival and contentment in that condition. He found that it is only when freedom became the most important and only goal, that he obtained his liberty. Even when his conditions as a slave grew better, with his mind still focused he gained his freedom. Franklin, more literally, wrote out a list of his life plan and stuck to it. He did not waste time on anything that did not benefit the goal, and most certainly avoided anything that withdrew him from