ASSIGNMENT

In Frederick Douglass’ speech-turned-essay “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Douglass challenges the idea that everyone in the United States should celebrate patriotic holidays. He uses the metaphor of bringing gratitude to an altar, thus equating patriotism with a religious obligation or act. Douglass then argues that there are people in the United States at the time he is speaking that are not enjoying the benefits many people in the country have.

What is it about human nature that wants to suppress free expression while giving lip-service to the 1st Amendment?

Do people pick and choose which free speech they want to suppress? If so, what criteria do they use in choosing?