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The Not So Beautiful: Frederick Douglas, Harriet Jacobs, And Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

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America The Not So Beautiful America is known as the land of the free and home of the brave, but the reality is that not everyone in America was free. This essay is about the influence black romantic writers have on their readers and how black Americans today can relate to the topics of the writings. I will include information about the writings of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. While reading the works of these three writers I noticed some recurring themes within their experiences. All three of the writers made a connection with the reader by talking about racism/slavery, bravery, and spirituality. Being able to read the work written by former slaves helps the reader understand what was actually going on during that time period and how racism continues to occur in the world today.
One of the first black writings I read was, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July (1852), by Frederick Douglass. In this speech, he expresses his feelings towards the famous holiday, the Fourth of July. The reason for the celebration behind this …show more content…

In many shows and stage talents, actors and actresses would perform in blackface to portray African Americans. According to Blackface in Black and White: Race, Ethnicity and Gender in Frederick Douglass’ Hometown Newspapers, 1847 (2003) by Fee. Jr., and Frank E. “In the theaters, white performers used burnt cork to blacken their features and parodied African Americans in songs and skits that employed broad racial dialects and exaggerated racial mannerisms” (E., 74). The problem with blackface is not only is it highly offensive, it continues to happen in the world today. For example, on halloween many caucasian people enjoy wearing darker makeup to make it appear that they are black. People of all races should realize that it’s never okay to make a mockery out of someone's culture, features, and

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