Unit 7

   "Citizens, your fathers made good that resolution. They succeeded; and to-day you reap the fruits of their success. The freedom gained is yours; and you, therefore, may properly celebrate this anniversary. The 4th of July is the first great fact in your nation’s history — the very ring-bolt in the chain of your yet undeveloped destiny."

  Throughtput this public letter by Frederick Douglass, he made a lot of point pointing to the celebration of July 4th. This letter, many can say is a denial of the invitation that was sent to him to deliver a speech during a July 4th celebration. Many may ask, why deny such opportunity? In this letter, Douglass outlined all the reason why that American should be happy to celebrate July 4th and at the same time he raised any questions. Also in this letter, we can say that he doesn't believe that July 4th should be celebrated by certain groups of people. As the title suggested "what is July 4th to slaves"? Also  as a black man, he felt like America isn't his home as he is referriring to America as "your" instead of "our" to the people. In this letter, many people might argue that Douglass strongly believe that July 4th shouldn't be celebrated by black people or people who descendends of slaves. The fact being that, during July 4th 1776 no slaves were free, he felt that black people shouldn't celebrate this holiday. 

  Many might ask why did I choose this controversial topic. The fact of the matter that it is controversial is the main reason why I chose it. I personally love controversial topics and I feel like it's always a good time to discuss important issue. Do I personally think that July 4th shouldn't be celebrate by black people? NO NO! That is ridiculous! That's the main problem in today's society, we are too selfish! Instead of looking at the past and make compromise in order to better our future, we look back and use it as a way to distant ourselves from certain thing. I think during July 4th, whatever race you belong to, and whatever you believe in, we should come together as one race, the human race and celebrate together. Yes, I understand many people might frustrated about the past, but it doesn't change the future! The present is what change the future. So let's look at the past, learn from it, focus on the present to better our future. Happy early July 4th to everyone!