The life of Frederick Douglass - Essay Example

The life of Frederick Douglass Frederick Douglass was a renowned American abolitionist, who doubled up as a newspaper writer. He was one of the few well-known African Americans during his time. He was a remarkably influential individual who lectured and was very vocal about the menace of slave trading and ownership in the United States of America. Douglas, together with a few others championed for the freedom of the black man and the equality of all (Douglas 56). The motivation he had to talk about slavery came from his past life as a slave. He also believed in the Holy Scriptures and taught that all people are equal in God’s eyes. Douglas also championed for equality for all regardless of sex, color, race or creed. Goodwill of all humankind was his main aim. In this regard, we can create and support a thesis postulating that Douglas played a key role in the abolition of slavery in the United States. This is visible in his various talks and campaigns against slave trading. Frederick Douglass just like many African Americans was born as a slave within American black societies. At a very early age, he Douglas separated from his mother who in the process, his slave masters sold him to another slave owner. However, her mother could still afford to visit him despite the distance separating them. Douglass went through rough times of slavery as his owners constantly whipped him (Booker 45). He says most slaves responded to any directions given within slave camps contrary to their will. The main reason for the perseverance is for fear of their owners. The masters were somehow ruthless in handling them, and thus they had to follow their orders to the latter. He recounts certain events where his fellow slaves encountered brutality from their owners (Huggins 12). In one occasion, Douglas he had to endure watching his Aunt Hester being whipped. Douglas relocated to work for a new owner by the name Sophia Auld. His new master began as a nice and humble woman, but with time turned out to be highly cruel and hateful. This woman started teaching him the alphabet and spelling. However, her husband found out of the alphabet lessons and argued that if slaves know how to read soon they would become hateful and dissatisfied by their status. In the end, they will develop desires for freedom (Douglas 54). In this context, Douglass took the argument as an anti-abolitionist statement. The slave would later talk about this on his lectures. Consequently, Douglas decided to undertake self-administered learning. In addition, he would ask for a little help from his neighbors. His interest in learning grew to a point where he started purchasing books and other learning materials. The highlight of his slave life is when he got into a physical confrontation with his boss Edward Covey. Covey had a habit of beating up his slaves, and on one day, Douglas fought back at him and beat him up. As a result, this made Covey never to try beating him again. The master feared that it might damage his reputation as a brutal slave owner (Risley 67). This was a real turning point in his slavery life as he earned some respect from his master. From historical information, we find out that before this, his master would administer regular whips to the slave. This made him extremely weak, and one day he collapsed at the field. He then decided that he could no longer face increasing brutality and unfairness in the camp. In this regard, Douglas opted to fighting back as the only way of earning his respect (Huggins 43). This happened when the slave confronted Covey about an issue, which according to conventional master-slave relationship would warrant a beating as punishment. The fight that ensued was tough, and finally, Douglas turned out victorious. This combat victory was a major turning point in his life. Douglass then started thinking of how he could escape from slavery. Despite substantial efforts, his first attempt was not successful. He had to rethink again. In the process of developing a secondary plan, the slave met Anna Murray, an African-American who aided him to escape by purchasing for him sailors’ papers. He managed to escape by wearing a sailors’ uniform while using identification papers belonging to a free black seaman (Risley 87). He escaped to Bedford where he linked up with Anna Murray and married. He then decided to change his name from Frederick Augustus Washington to Frederick Douglass as he feared he might be captured again. Douglass’ rebellion was a blessing in disguise. His master not only feared him, but also never bothered to beat him up again. After his escape, he was able to establish himself and started publishing for a series of newspapers namely The North Star, Frederick Douglass Weekly, and Frederick Douglass’ Paper, among other news articles. Some of his famous quotes include, “You can smash machines, but you cannot smash ideas” (Huggins 76). This quote targeted people who came to destroy his Printing Press. He was also interested in public speaking and lecturing, which he did on various organizations in his quest for equality and justice for all people. Douglass’ detest for slavery appears in his famous quotes like, “No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck”. This quote meant that he regarded all human beings as equals members in any given society. He believed that it was not right for a brother to chain another brother just because of difference in skin color (Smith 23). He went on firing at the racial discriminators, especially the Ku Klux Klan, a gang that was notorious for mistreatment and death of many blacks across America. In the progress as a reformist, Douglass moved on to become a truly vocal supporter for women rights. He participated in a number of conferences involving efforts meant to facilitate realization of women place in the American societies. Douglas was also involved in anti slavery campaigns. He was able to meet the then president, Abraham Lincoln who referred to him as a great friend (Smith 29). He was the first African American to visit a president on equal footing. He was able to be part of various political positions. He worked as the marshal of the District of Columbia, as a Minister resident. He also played a role as an ambassador to the Republic of Haiti. The life of Frederick Douglass goes through various twists ranging from his birth as a slave, his escape from slavery, his life as a writer and his lecturer position in learning institutions. In the process of developing his autobiography, Douglas documented his family life, his political career and his financial struggles. Most of his information can presently feature within the book ‘Narrative of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave’. This book tells us about his entire life together with the building blocks of his ideology for slavery struggles. Douglas receives credit for his exemplary role and sincere efforts in the fight against slavery (Smith 26). His fight has made the world what it is today, and he receives heartfelt gratitude along with many other freedom fighters. Despite his death on February 20, 1895, his legacy remains to date. Works Cited Booker, Washington. Frederick Douglass: A Biography. New York: Transaction Publishers, 2012. Print. Douglas, Frederick. A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave. Pittsburgh: Norton Critical Publications, 1895. Print Huggins, Nick. Slave and Citizen: The Life of Frederick Douglass. New York: Harper Collins, 2009. Print Risley, Ford. Abolition and the Press: The Moral Struggle against Slavery. Indianapolis: Northwest University Press, 2008. Print. Smith, Thomas. Frederick Douglass and the Fight for Freedom. New York: Fact on File Publications, 2010. Print. Read More