They are familiar with the laws of the slave states, which are along sufficient to inspire abhorrence in any humane heart or reflecting mind not perverted by the prejudices of education and custom.
This shows that many abolitionists saw Brown's raid as a response to an already violent system rather than the beginning of the violence.
As for John Brown, his reputation may be safely trusted to the impartial pen of History; and his motives will be righteously judged by Him who knoweth the secrets of all hearts. Men, however great they may be, are of small consequence in comparison with principles; and the principle for which John Brown died is the question at issue between us.
Shifts the focus from John Brown's violent actions to the cause he fought for. She is saying that Brown's raid forced Americans to debate not only violence but also the morality of slavery.
A man whose aim and intention was to incite the horrors of a servile war—to condemn women of your own race, ere death closed there eyes on their sufferings from violence and outrage, to see their husbands and fathers murdered, their children butchered, the ground strewed with the brains of their babes.
John Browns raid created fear in the South rather than hope for freedom from slavery or compromise.
; but that having taken up my pen in order to direct to you as a present, a copy of an Almanack which I have calculated for the Succeeding year, I was unexpectedly and unavoidably led thereto.
Banneker talks about his almanack as proof that Black people are as intelligent as white people. He uses evidence of his intelligence to fight back against discrimination.
you should at the Same time be found guilty of that most criminal act, which you professedly detested in others, with respect to yourselves.
Banneker claims that Jefferson opposed Britain's oppression during the Revolution, but he oppressed enslaved people. Banneker uses Jefferson's own beliefs against him.
“We hold these truths to be Self evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Banneker quotes the Declaration of Independence, which Jefferson wrote. He is showing that Jefferson is not living up to his ideals by not going against slavery and discrimination.
nd that however variable we may be in Society or religion, however diversified in Situation or colour, we are all of the Same Family, and Stand in the Same relation to him.
Banneker uses Christianity to challenge slavery and racial prejudice to show that discrimination is immoral.
the almost general prejudice and prepossession which is so prevalent in the world against those of my complexion.
Instead of accepting prejudice as normal, Banneker argues that it's a problem. He believes that discrimination is caused by false assumptions about black people, not ability.
“ See it was the king of Great- Britain that kept us in slavery before.—Now surely, after saying so, it cannot be possible for them to make slaves of us again
Cato reminds lawmakers that America fought for liberty and freedom during the revolution. It would be hypocrytical to take freedom away from enslaved people.
Surely no Christian gentlemen can be so cruel!
Instead of attacking them personally, Cato challenges them to live up to their Christian values that they say they follow.
f. To make a law to hang us all, would be merciful, when compared with this law; for many of our masters would treat us with unheard of barbarity, for daring to take the advantage (as we have done) of the law made in our favor.
Cato compares slavery to death, to show that slavery is more than a loss of freedom, but suffering and abuse. He is making the readers feel guilty.
I AM a poor negro, who with myself and children have had the good fortune to get my freedom
Freedom affects entire families, making slavery a human issue than just a political one.
But what is most serious than all, what will our great father think of such doings?
By asking what God will think, Cato argues that supporting slavery is not only wrong politically but also a sin. This goes against the values that Christianity teaches.
If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.
The ideals of the Revolution have sparked others, such as women, to fight for equality. But those demands were not met.
MANKIND being originally equals in the order of creation, the equality could only be destroyed by some subsequent circumstance: the distinctions of rich and poor may in a great measure be accounted for, and that without having recourse to the harsh ill-sounding names of oppression and avarice.
Americans began to question social hierarchies and inequality. It shows how much Enlightenment and the Great Awakening has influenced their ideals to question it.