The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is a significant symbol because it illustrates that freedom in colonial America is subjective and limited. Despite their own desire for independence, most Revolutionary leaders do not feel morally or intellectually obligated to grant that same freedom to their own enslaved population. The ironic approach to freedom demonstrates how racist ideas are used to serve the self-interest of the dominant group. They are not logical, but are driven by other factors such as economic self-interest. The definition of freedom and the intentions of the founding fathers who wrote the Declaration of Independence can be questioned. As Kendi suggests, when they spoke of freedom, were they speaking of their own freedom to enslave? This demonstrates that the very concept of freedom is relative.

On Being Brought from Africa to America (Poem)

This poem by Phillis Wheatley is an example of how...