Stefanie Hopkins History 1700, Section 05 Voices of Freedom- Chap.

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What do these documents suggest about the language and arguments employed by abolitionists? The abolitionists position at the time was not an easy one. They knew they were not the popular voice, and they knew the battle they were fighting was very much an uphill one. Their careful and thoughtful analysis on how to tackle these issues had to be genius. It had to strike a very clear chord with their audience at that time, including those for it and those against. Their language had to be effective enough in that those listening could try and deny their cause, but in a way that they would not forget. Abolitionist language also had to reach those who were willing to listen and to ignite them with a passion and a voice to help spread and further their cause. These documents are clear, distinct examples of their arguments and the importance of them, as well as insight into the incredible impact abolitionism did have. First, there was definitely a way of poeticism and beautiful use of language that these writers and speakers used to appeal to the emotions of their audience, whether they were supporters of slavery or against slavery. For example, the ex-slave abolitionists used their experience of being mistreated and oppressed and drew from these experiences in portraying these emotions. One such abolitionist, Frederick Douglass said, I say it with a

sad sense of disparity between us. I am not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between usThe rich inheritance of justice, liberty prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me(pp.359, para.1), with this Douglass demonstrated a powerful way of appealing to the intellect while drawing on the emotion to grab his audiences attention. Angela Grimke, a white female abolitionist, also used language powerfully to connect to her audience. This was at a time in history when slavery abolitionists, like Gremke, used their platform as women to speak out for womens rights as well. Grimke uses a strong, analytical approach in directing it to critics both men and women in her audience. Her letter does this very thing in speaking to the sexes in her more personal cause for womens rights at that time, By this doctrine, man has been converted into the warrior, and clothed in sternnesswhilst women has been taught to lean upon the arm of the flesh, tobe admired for her personal charms, and caressed and humored like a spoiled child, or converted into a mere drudge to suit the convenience of her lord and masterIt has robbed woman ofthe right to think and speak and act on all great moral questions, just as men think and speak and act(pp.358,para.2). Not only is she speaking to the men and the question of their conduct but also to women as well. Clearly she challenges and directs this to both sexes on their positions. Abolitionists knew who would be listening. Most importantly, like these messages illustrate, they used the very weapon of the white mans hypocrisy, and would even use their very own material and thinking against them to make their argument. Douglasss brilliance of this is captured when he proclaims,

What to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim(pp.359,para.4). Arguments like these were to point out to opponents well this is what you say and these are your rights and your celebrations, so where does that include mine?...If youre ok to do and share in these liberties-why should I be denied the same? Douglass confirms this by continuing the use of language of natural rights and liberties throughout his speech, and that every man is a rightful owner of his own body. The abolitionists then would follow up, like Douglass does, with eloquent explanations about God given rights being just as accessible to black men as to anyone. With hypocrisy of the white man being the major effective weapon used, it was also what Im sure caused most of the discontent in that time. In conclusion, the language of abolitionism arguments, as demonstrated by these great examples, had to include a number of key ingredients in making their cause an effective and powerful one to continue. They had to appeal to the emotions of those listening and those against. They had to build upon and create a solid foundation from these emotions to give an analytical basis and one of subsequent value to make their case. They had to use the white mans own tools and thinking against them in a purpose to really be heard, and to also show their belief in the United States founding principles. It was the solid weapon. All being key elements to abolitionists really being heard, and to get the ball moving for their causes rights.