Consider Douglass' narrative, and identify at least 2 incidents in which he makes an effort to connect his slave narrative to the lives of other marginalized people,

Question

 In 1855, former slave, and civil rights activist, Frederick Douglass said, "the free person, however sympathetic, cannot see things in the same light with the slave, because he does not, and cannot, look from the same point from which the slave does." Consider Douglass' narrative, and identify at least 2 incidents in which he makes an effort to connect his slave narrative to the lives of other marginalized people, (white women, other races, etc.) by describing events that subjugated groups could relate to. Include at least two quotes with page numbers. For this short answer response, I want you to connect Douglass' narrative to current events by showing how his description of events sheds light on the struggles of current day people.

Answer 1

One incident in which Douglass connects his slave narrative to the lives of other marginalized people is when he describes the cruelty of slaveholders towards their slaves. Douglass highlights how slaveholders would often use physical violence to maintain power and control over their slaves, stating, "I have often been awakened at the dawn of day by the most heart-rending shrieks of an own aunt of mine, whom he used to tie up to a joist, and whip upon her naked back till she was literally covered with blood" (Douglass, 25). This kind of brutal treatment is not limited to just slaves, as we can see in current events with police brutality towards Black people, particularly the use of excessive force and violence.

Another incident is when Douglass discusses the limitations placed on education for slaves, saying, "It is unlawful, as well as unsafe, to teach a slave to read" (Douglass, 40). This restriction on education was not limited to just slaves, as women were also often denied access to education in Douglass' time. In current times, we can still see the effects of limited access to education, particularly in lower-income and minority communities where education is not always accessible or equitable.

Overall, Douglass' narrative highlights the ways in which systemic oppression and subjugation can impact multiple marginalized groups. His experiences shed light on current events and the ongoing struggles for equality and justice for marginalized communities.