Thomas Jefferson and the New American Nation - Essay Example

 Thomas Jefferson and the New American Nation The Declaration of Independence portrays literal power in the usage of rhetoric devices that clearly stands out throughout the document. Thomas Jefferson, as its writer, had such proficiency beyond doubt that he was a very learned and skilled person. With skill in rhetoric and a steadfast soul for nationalism, Jefferson had created some of the most messianic, heroic and memorable lines contained within the Declaration of Independence. Even down to his choice of words, Jefferson managed to immortalize this document throughout the annals of the United States. Usage of terms such as “necessary” creates an impression of strong need for the Americans to take the proposed action, which is well connected to their human nature. The line, “One people” can be translated to send a strong message that the Americans and the British were different people brought together politically and breaking the “political bands” which was a necessity for the survival of the Americans. This choice of words was intended to capture the attention of America’s friends (Dolbeare & Cummings 49-52). However, there is one line in the Declaration that gathers much controversy and debate. The usage of the line, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among them are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” poses an intention that could have well been deeply thought to bring a diverse interpretation by the Americans, the British and possible allies who could assist the Americans in their quest for independence. This line consists of a group of principles pertaining to human rights that are naturally and rhetorically read and interpreted together. The principles brought out include: of equity; inalienability of the rights; examples of the rights; and an implication of the necessity that the government should secure these rights and the right of the people to abolish abusive governments (“Declaration of Independence”). It can be said that Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence wills not only the freedom but the establishment of an equal footing within the American soil once the colonial powers are put to rest. However, the sound and uplifting message of such line “… that all men are created equal…” is, in one way, problematic up to this day. One might question the innate power of the Declaration and its transcending words when it comes to the genuine propagation of equality and inalienable human rights. In 1781, five years after the document was penned, Jefferson produced a manuscript about his home state, Virginia. In one portion of the document entitled “Notes on the State of Virginia”, the author presents the notion of a race-based slavery in the United States (Sharpley-Whiting 88). It can be said that the founding father himself was for the advocacy of racial discrimination at this early stage in American history. Although his strong words in the Declaration present that human rights should be well-protected by the government, he himself defeats his own cause by coining the idea of slavery through racial subjugation. From the same document, Jefferson asserts that, “Whether originally a distinct race, or made distinct by time or circumstances, [they] are inferior to the whites in the endowments of both body and mind.” (Sharpley-Whiting 88). The author made it clear that racial preference to the white people was to be emphasized, whereas the colored race - particularly the black people - was to be made inferior to the former. His basis on the inferiority of the blacks, according to the passage mentioned, was based on the skin color and the capacity of their competency. Interpreting what he has written in the “Notes on the State of Virginia”, the huge physical built and their potentials for human labor because of their physical attributes were abused in Jefferson’s definition of what race is superior and inferior. He assumes that the black race is inferior because of their dark skin color, compared to the whites which were assumed to be purer. His views on this were made absolute when he compared the white slaves of Greece and Rome such as Epictetus, Diogenes, Phaedon, Terence, and Phaedrus to the black slaves of America. He argues that although these individuals were doomed to slavery, it is the privilege of the white slaves to be such because of their racial superiority – that they are born as humans to become slaves, rather than naturally born as blacks who are slaves (Jefferson). Jefferson’s racially biased views and his idea of race-based slavery upon the American soil had created a huge crater upon the history of the United States through events such as the Civil War and the African-American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. By analyzing the line wherein equality is stressed, the author adds that it is the right of men to venture into “… Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” These words contradict what Jefferson had said in the “Notes on the State of Virginia”. More importantly, it is a contrast to the reactionary movements created during the Civil War and other civil rights movements in the 20th century – all of which herald the equal rights of the black race. Indeed, Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence fails to propagate the notion of genuine equality amongst men within the American society. The author himself was a proven believer of the race-based slave industry. Also, the presence of racial discrimination throughout American history, the subjugation of African-Americans proves that equality upon the American soil is far from being achieved. This is a testament that Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence should not only be kept true in principle but, most significantly, it must also show in one’s action. Given such case, Thomas Jefferson envisions the future of the American federal government as the seat of power monopolized by the dominant white race. However, Jefferson had several contentious decisions during his presidency. The accompanying inferences that historians make out of his vague notion of equality in the Declaration of Independence and the pro-slavery sentiments he had created with his “Notes on the State of Virginia” opposed his personal options to privilege his own slaves to live with him in the White House and to free some of his trusted slaves (Finkelman 193). Generally, his reflections on the “Notes on the State of Virginia” and the vague notion of equality in the Declaration of Independence creates an atmosphere for the policy of slavery to grow within the American society. His personal sentiments on the black race and his white supremacist views established the early foundation of racial inequality which would be troublesome for the future American nation as the nation would undergo racial struggles in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Works Cited “Declaration of Independence”, Charters of Freedom. Accessed on 5 December 2011. www.archives.gov. Dolbeare, Kenneth M. & Cummings, Michael S. American Political Thought (6th ed.). Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Press, 2009. Print. Finkelman, Paul. (1994). “Thomas Jefferson and Antislavery”, 193. Print. Jefferson, Thomas. “Notes on the State of Virginia”, The Founders’ Constitution. Accessed on 5 December 2011. http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu. Sharpley-Whiting, T. Denean. (2007, July). “The Irony of Achievement for Black Women. Ebony”, 62 (9), 86-88. Print. Read More