Heros are...
Panic struck the people of New York City. Black, billowing smoke began to rise. The beloved Twin Towers had been destroyed. During the chaos and madness that occurred on the day of 9-11-01, some people acted and did all they could to help those around them, even though they knew obstacles stood in the way. Those people are true heros. Heroism is acting in times of need when obstacles may stand in the way, being willing to sacrifice everything, and not letting setbacks keep from achieving goals and being an inspiration to others.
Heroes rise and act in times of need, even if obstacles may stand in the way. For instance, Frederick Douglass an abolitionist, and Vincent Ardolino, a man who rescued others at the BOATLIFT of 9-11 both acted to help during a time when heroes were needed even though obstacles stood in their way. Frederick Douglas’ feelings towards rising and speaking against slavery are described in his autobiography The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Douglass stated, “ The truth was I felt myself a slave, and the idea of speaking to white people weighed me down.” Frederick, although he felt unworthy, stood that day and spoke as a symbol against slavery. Frederick Douglas’ actions led him to be “engaged in pleading the cause of my brethren” from then on, and to be seen as a hero until today. Likewise, Vincent Ardolino is a man who acted when he saw others in need to be rescued off the island during the chaos of 9-11.
The life of Frederick Douglass was as horrible and miserable as any other slave. However, since bravery was his most dominant trait Frederick’s life became the life of a hero. Born into slavery on the year of 1818, Frederick never really got to know his family and was separated at birth. Growing up, he knew that blacks like him were not supposed to be educated, or treated as well as the whites. This compelled Frederick even
Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, more commonly known as Frederick Douglass, was born around 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland (Hagler). Douglass was one of the most influential human rights leaders and one of the most renowned abolitionists. By learning to read and write around the age of 10, Douglass was able to develop a greater understanding of the world that didn’t revolve around slavery, along with the desire to become a free man and civil rights activist (Hagler). Douglass is now well known for his famous autobiography, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, in which he recalls his many experiences in slavery and the ways he dealt with the daily suffering. In his autobiographical narrative, The Narrative of the Life
Everyone would agree that education helps develop us into who we are and what we can become. We are able to explore new ideas and concepts, which leads to more knowledge. In the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, Douglass is thrown into a new world of knowledge and opportunity, once he learns how to read and write. Through his knowledge, he learns more about his situation and potential. Douglass discovers that a slave was set free by persuading his master, and as a result, this information makes Douglass an avid learner. He understands that education is his only way out of slavery. Education empowers people to make good decisions and paves a future that provides opportunities. An education can open doors that were once closed.
Fredrick Douglass (1818-1945), both a fugitive slave and a free man, was one of the most courageous and influential leaders of the abolitionist movement. His narrative, published in 1845, illustrates his childhood and early manhood experiences as a salve, as well as his escape to the North and find of freedom. Within his narrative entitled “The Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass,” Douglass argues that in order to achieve physical freedom, a slave must seek knowledge and an education.
According to google, the definition of freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. The Freedom from imprisonment or enslavement from those who holds a person against their power or will. However, when freedom is expressed by an ex-slaved, their views are completely different. Ex-slaves found it difficult to adjust to the liberal freedom because they have to deal with relocating families, no political rights to vote, and the ability to establish land.
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” This famous quote is from a speech given by one of America’s most influential abolitionist speakers, Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery, this great American leader led a life many of us would find impossible to bear. After gaining his freedom from slavery, Douglass shared his stories through impressive speeches and vivid autobiographies, which helped America move forward as a country liberated from racial inequality. Although Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave allows readers to understand what life was like for slaves in antebellum America, the most important and relevant lesson to take away from this narrative today is the importance of perseverance. Douglass’s courage to resist and learn paired with his determination to keep his faith and ultimately find himself, is something to which people from every culture and time period can relate.
Slaves were not considered citizens in America before the fourteenth amendment was added to the national constitution, and blacks held no rights within the law. The white people had total control over regulations and politics, and used that to their advantage to keep slaves and free blacks on an inferior societal level. Slaves had no records of a human being in a state, no name, title, or register. They couldn’t collect any money, make purchases, and they had no heirs, meaning they couldn’t make a will. Whatever they acquired went to their masters. Additionally, they couldn’t plead or be pleaded for. Slaves were not entitled to the rights and considerations of matrimony, and had no relief in the cases of adultery. They were basically a property rather than a human being; slave owners could sell, trade, or transfer the blacks.
Frederick Douglas is a former slave, abolitionist, writer, editor, and orator. He was born in 1818 and died in 1895. Throughout Douglass’ early years he suffered physical abuse, deprivation, and tragedy. Although he had a rough start he overcame every obstacle thrown his way and became a great spokesman for his people. Douglass didn’t really know who was as a person all he knew was what people told him. Throughout his early life he looked at the life of the white kids and judge his life based on theirs and he felt that his life was totally unfair because he was not afforded the same privileges as his Caucasian peers. In 1835 Frederick Douglass overheard his master say that he was 17, and this was the first time he ever heard anything of his age (1).
When speaking of how African Americans evolved from being slaves to becoming free, one must not fail to mention the life and accomplishments of Frederick Douglass. The actions taken by Frederick Douglas and others that pave the way were perceived as huge achievements then and now. Negros, as they were called in the 17th and 18th century where considered nothing more than slaves. Being a slave did not grant human rights to anything at any time or any place. But Frederick Douglass had different plans other than only being a slave. Overcoming slavery would become a life long journey with the thoughts of becoming a free man the only possible option.
In 1838 Frederick Douglass had fled from Baltimore to New York, by train and disguised himself as a sailor. Frederick didn’t have any free papers due to him being a slave and he borrowed a Seaman’s Protection Certificate, which proved that the sailor was a citizen of the U.S. He successfully made it, but he was not legally a free man and slave catchers filled the streets looking for fugitives.
Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, who later changed his name to Frederick Douglass, was born February 1818 and died February 20, 1895 was an African-American social activist, abolitionist, orator, writer, and political leader. After evading from vassalage in Maryland, he became a public driver of the abolitionist motion from Massachusetts and New York, convenient character for his dazzling oratory and incisive antislavery writings. In his time he was described by abolitionists as a living contrasted-specimen to slaveholders ' arguments that captive lacked the mental capacity to act as independent American citizens. Northerners at the time found it powerful to believe that such a numerous orator had once been a slave.
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass perfectly depicts the dreadful experience of living in slavery. From being unsure of the day he was born, to his first beating from a master, to the brutal and exhausting work, and to the joyous day he was freed. Besides describing his experience as a slave, he describes the toll slavery had on the masters and families of slaves. Frederick Douglass also includes his view of education in relation to freedom. The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is a good excerpt from The Classic Slave Narratives that can be considered a good historical resource due to the historical content it provides about slavery.
of living a slave life and he feared he would walk that path for the remainder of his life. Despite
Leaders at my church often say, god wants his people to use their unique gifts and talents
It is very easy to depict the wrong version of a hero: Someone standing in a cape, with a mask, and a secret identity. However, real heroes are the people who may not stand out, but rather blend in. A true hero is sometimes hidden, but in plain view at the same time. Heroism is doing something for not just yourself, but everyone else. A hero is much more than just the outfit that they wear. Although at times heroes are imperfect, they are still an inspiration, and are selfless through all of the challenges that they overcome.