"For the present, it is enough to affirm the equal manhood of the Negro race. Is it not astonishing that, while we are ploughing, planting and reaping, using all kinds of mechanical tools, erecting houses, constructing bridges, building ships, working in metals of brass, iron, copper, silver and gold; that, while we are reading, writing and cyphering, acting as clerks, merchants and secretaries, having among us lawyers, doctors, ministers, poets, authors, editors, orators and teachers; that, while we are engaged in all manner of enterprises common to other men, digging gold in California, capturing the whale in the Pacific, feeding sheep and cattle on the hill-side, living, moving, acting, thinking, planning, living in families as husbands, wives and children, and, above all, confessing and worshipping the Christian’s God, and looking hopefully for life and immortality beyond the grave, we are called upon to prove that we are men!"
Douglass expresses that men of color are not only to be looked upon as "useful tools" because they too, are just as intelligent as any other man. Men of color are not to be disposed of. They can be just as accomplished as scholars as they are laborers. They also have families to provide for just as Caucasians do. Men of the Negro race were put on earth with the same purpose as Caucasians, and that is to live their lives in peace, love and equality.
I chose this passage because I agree with Douglass in every aspect. Everyone should be treated equally despite the color of their skin. I don't believe anyone is better than the next person. We, as humans, were put on earth with the purpose of living in peace and treating each other with respect and kindness. We are not to use each other as tools or to be harmed in any physical or psychological way.
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