RESPONSES
The first passage I read for today's blog posting was the poem by Phyllis Wheatley, On Being Brought from Africa to America. This was a relatively short poem, but enlightening nonetheless. Wheatley in these few lines chronicles her feelings of being brought to America. Before reading this poem, I thought it would be filled with angst and hatred. I was surprised to read just the opposite: " 'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land." This first line showed that she was grateful for the slave owners kidnapping her from her home land. She was raised as a Christian by her slave owners. I do think that this may have been good, but it seemed odd that she attributed her being led to the Christian faith to her owners, and not her African family. In other works by slaves and former slaves I have read, they had a strong Christian faith because of their families; religion was very important to slaves. She does however, acknowledge the contempt some people had for African Americans, regardless of their color: "Some view our sable race with scornful eye." I think Wheatley felt that through religion she was equal to whites. Today, I think that we as Christians view everyone as equal, but I am sure some Christians did not feel like this during Wheatley's lifetime. Overall, I enjoyed this poem and it showed a different viewpoint from a slave.
The next text I read was The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson. I had read this document before in high school US history, but it was nice to be refreshed on it with today's reading. The first paragraph of this text is often quoted, and it was familiar to me. This paragraph basically summarizes the reason that America feels it is their God given right to separate from Britain: "...the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them..." In the second paragraph, Jefferson details the purpose of government and rights all men are born with. He tells of the injustices that the government of Britain has imposed on America, and this is their main reason of why they are declaring their own separate government. The bulk of the document actually goes into details of all the injustices the British have performed. I felt that these were serious enough for us as Americans to want to disband:
- "For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world"
- "For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent"
The third text I read was by Thomas Paine, The Crisis. This was a familiar text, and it was written to inspire the American troops in their fight for freedom, and written as a series of pamphlets. Paine starts of the text by emphasizing the importance of the war, and also pointing out the difference between those who were truly committed or not: "THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." I think that this is a very strong opening statement, and this first line probably inspired the troops a lot. Paine wanted to make a clear distinction between those who were loyal to America and those who were still loyal to Britain. Paine also uses some religious ideas in these pamphlets. He believes God is with the troops and uses this to ensure them that their fighting is not in vain:"...God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction..." He then goes on to detail of his personal experience thus far in the war. He tells of the success of his troops, despite their weariness, fatigue, and sometimes few numbers. I think this played a big part in inspiring the troops, because Paine includes his first hand account, and the American troops can relate. Paine stresses to the troops to be completely loyal to America and not be like the "Tories", or Britain supporters. I enjoyed this first pamphlet, and I think it speaks of the great American courage and resolve for freedom. I still see this same attitude in our troops today, as they risk their lives in foreign countries for its citizens freedoms and rights. \
The last text I read was Letters from an American Farmer (letter III: What is an American) by J.Hector St. John de Crevecoeur. I think the resounding theme of this letter is freedom. He stresses the freedoms of Americans and all that we are able to do. He compares things such as freedom of religion, culture, etc. versus our European neighbors. de Crevecoeur values the freedom of religion that Americans possess. He likes his life here in America, and quickly notices the differences between his life here and his life living in France. This author believes equality is available to everyone, and all people have the same opportunities.
QUESTIONS
- Why does Phyllis Wheatley associate more with her white slave owners than her fellow slaves? Should she be mad about being brought to America?
- Do you think that had the British government had good relations with America, Americans would have still wanted to become its own nation?
CONNECTIONS
- Phyllis Wheatley would later go on to become the first African American to have a book published. I think this was largely due to the fact of her Christian owners, who may have had a more lenient and accepting view of slaves who were converted Christians.
- Although the pamphlets are not still read aloud to troops today, I feel like the theme of the pamphlets is one that is still a strong military principle today. Freedom and God given rights are a big part of today's military, and some people's argument for the war we are currently in. What do you think?
I think the reason Phillis Wheatly associated more with the white people was because she was treated more like a white person than her peers. Without knowing what her personal life was like before and after her move to the United States, she may have been happier here. And no, I do not think America would have wanted to become its own country if the British troops had been more fair with the Americans. However, that was just at that time; sooner or later Americans were bound to run into some kind of problem with the British. As far as the war we are in now, I do not think we should step into other countries business unless they ask for us to help. Freedom is important, but we do not need to go around playing the hero when we are not wanted and when we have other problems to deal with.
ReplyDeleteI think that in the older days Christianty brought people together and made them feel equal. I think that this could be possilbe today but we have progress and we judge people on many other levels than the previous years and i think that in a sense its hard today to feel as equal as we should. By this I mean that we judge people based on what they have, wear and appearance and in the previous years everyone was basically on the same level with money so they really didn't have anything to separate them apart from others which is why is was easy to find ways to be considered equal.
ReplyDeleteThat's a thought-provoking perspective, Ashley. Most people would automatically say we're "more equal" now than in the past because of civil rights legislation, etc., but you raise an interesting point.
ReplyDelete@Anna: Thanks for your comment, and I agree with you. Wheatley was one of the few slaves who had owners who recognized and encouraged her intelligence.
ReplyDelete@Ashley: I agree with Professor Stansell. You raised a very interesting point, that I did not previously think of. Life was definitely a lot simpler back during these times.