Why did Douglass accept the invitation to speak even though he cannot celebrate independence?
A) to use the occasion to denounce the wrongs of American slavery
B) to attack the audience’s lack of understanding of history
C) to increase his stature as a famous orator and abolitionist
D) to persuade his fellow citizens to give up their celebrations
The correct answer is A) to use the occasion to denounce the wrongs of American slavery.
Frederick Douglass accepted the invitation to speak on Independence Day to highlight the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom while millions of enslaved people were still suffering in bondage. By doing so, he aimed to raise awareness about the injustices of slavery and challenge his audience to confront these realities. This powerful approach emphasized the contrast between the ideals of liberty and the realities faced by enslaved individuals.
If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!