Thursday, October 15, 2009

freedom.

do you know who this man is?
he was incredible. he grew up not knowing his mother, not knowing how old he was, not receiving any education. yet he rapidly took up the opportunity to learn to read and became a thinking man, and cherished the opportunity for education from that point forward. he knew that education was the only think that could make him free. after reading his autobiography, narrative of the life of frederick douglass, an american slave, i have been reminded of how fortunate i am to live in an age and in a place where there is freedom. though our country's past is something quite shameful, i feel it is important to learn about the atrocities of our ancestors to gain appreciation for all that the slaves had to endure and to thus show respect for those who have descended from them. if you want a life-changing read, i highly recommend this book.
if you need further convincing, here's a little excerpt.
You are loosed from your moorings, and are free; I am fast in my chains, and am a slave! You move merrily before the gentle gale, and I sadly before the bloody whip! You are freedom's swift-winged angels, that fly round the world; I am confined in bands of iron! O that I were free! O, that I were on one of your gallant decks, and under your protecting wing! Alas! The glad ship is gone; she hides in the dim distance. I am left in the hottest hell of unending slavery. O God, save me! God, deliver me! Let me be free! Is there any God? Why am I a slave?
today, i have a renewed gratitude for: my literacy, the opportunity to learn, my identity, and my freedom. we really have so much to be grateful for.

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