Kate Gilmore

Mr. Smith

Junior Literature and Composition

Sep 20, 2023

Liberty and Justice for All.

Both the poem “I, Too” and the speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July”

demonstrate ideas about the American experience regarding discrimination against those of

color. by sharing first hand experiences from the authors about their attempt at a fulfilled life in

America. ”I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen” Langston Huges

expresses the discrimination he endured as an individual of color in an all white society by first

describing himself as the “darker brother” and claiming that he is pushed away to eat alone in the

kitchen as he is not welcome at the dining table with the white members of his household. ”your

nation is so young” Frederick Douglass declares his feelings of discrimination by stating that that

the nation isn’t his. Rather than directly point out the way he’s been treated he uses subtle

language to imply that he is not an accepted member of white society. The authors present

themselves in a light that portrays them as stronger than the hate they receive. In I, Too, Hughes

claims that he laughs at the discrimination he receives. This signifies that despite the hostile

treatment he received, he will not let the hate get to him. This is also represented in What to a

Slave is The Fourth Of July “I argue with you that the slave is a man!”. Douglass delivers his

message in a softer tone in contrast to Hughes sternness, he still declares that despite an

individual's role, they are still a human. An admirable piece that can be taken away from both

texts is the message that there is always room for improvement. “They'll see how beautiful I am,

And be ashamed” this is a powerful statement that Hughes makes to show that he knows that one

day he and everyone else despite skin color, social status, or any other factors will one day be
treated equally. Douglass also preaches a similar message when he declares “I do not despair of

this country. There are forces in operation, which must inevitably work The downfall of slavery.”

We are all people despite what's on the outside, these two texts not only express what needs to be

fixed but that there is hope for the future and always room for improvement. As vowed in the

Pledge Of Allegiance, we are all one nation under God, and there must be Liberty and Justice for

All.