Documentation Interpretation 3
In 1777, the enslaved people petitioned for freedom to the Massachusetts legislature. The enslaved people brought up the issue of equality and human right. They called for an end to slavery and argued that they should have equal rights as others. They point out the contradiction of how the colonist fought for freedom themselves, but deprived the freedom of others. For that reason, many people petitioned to the legislature. A great number of African Americans explained how the cruelty they were experiencing was not justifiable by religion and nature. First, in the eyes of God everyone was created equal and people who were enslaved were not different from anyone. Also, slavery was against humanity since human right was natural and inalienable. Enslaving people took away their basic rights and social privileges, thus making life intolerable.
Ultimately, the petition was referring to the Declaration of Independence in which it stated that all men were created equal and given unalienable rights by the creator: life, liberty, and pursuit to happiness. The testimony of their lives and using similar words as the Declaration of Independence made the petition plausible and effective.
I think the the most convincing argument in the petition was where the document exlpained how people’s lives were torn apart as they entered slavery. The expressive details revealed the truth of slavery and captured people’s attention. Lastly, using similar words as the Declaration of Independence made it hard for people to ignore the petition because it suggested that the state was going against the law.
Reflection #1
I will reflect on the the third document interpretation. The interpretation for “Natural and Inalienable Rights to Freedom” was a challenging document that I had to write about. Due to the the different spelling and diction of the petition, it was a little bit difficult for me to interpret. I had to look up several words in order to find out what it was referring to. Also, when I was trying to determine how the document was referring to the Declaration of Independence, I had to thoroughly read through both of them.
From this assignment, I was able to use my critical skills to interpret the argument that was made. I also had to research and observe detailed information such as the date that the petition was written. Since it was written in 1777, a year after the US became independent from Britain. This fact made the document to have a stronger argument. Comparing how the colonists were constrained by Britain to the way the enslaved people felt was a power tactic.
For my next assignment, I hope to start the assignment earlier so I can have more time to read the document and compare it with other sources. In addition, I want to do more research in the topic so I have a better background and understanding on what the document is conveying. I think reading more about a topic really helps me to comprehend the topic better. I also found that the more familiar I am with history and important documents such a declaration of independence the easier it is to find connections and references.
In 1777, the enslaved people petitioned for freedom to the Massachusetts legislature. The enslaved people brought up the issue of equality and human right. They called for an end to slavery and argued that they should have equal rights as others. They point out the contradiction of how the colonist fought for freedom themselves, but deprived the freedom of others. For that reason, many people petitioned to the legislature. A great number of African Americans explained how the cruelty they were experiencing was not justifiable by religion and nature. First, in the eyes of God everyone was created equal and people who were enslaved were not different from anyone. Also, slavery was against humanity since human right was natural and inalienable. Enslaving people took away their basic rights and social privileges, thus making life intolerable.
Ultimately, the petition was referring to the Declaration of Independence in which it stated that all men were created equal and given unalienable rights by the creator: life, liberty, and pursuit to happiness. The testimony of their lives and using similar words as the Declaration of Independence made the petition plausible and effective.
I think the the most convincing argument in the petition was where the document exlpained how people’s lives were torn apart as they entered slavery. The expressive details revealed the truth of slavery and captured people’s attention. Lastly, using similar words as the Declaration of Independence made it hard for people to ignore the petition because it suggested that the state was going against the law.
Reflection #1
I will reflect on the the third document interpretation. The interpretation for “Natural and Inalienable Rights to Freedom” was a challenging document that I had to write about. Due to the the different spelling and diction of the petition, it was a little bit difficult for me to interpret. I had to look up several words in order to find out what it was referring to. Also, when I was trying to determine how the document was referring to the Declaration of Independence, I had to thoroughly read through both of them.
From this assignment, I was able to use my critical skills to interpret the argument that was made. I also had to research and observe detailed information such as the date that the petition was written. Since it was written in 1777, a year after the US became independent from Britain. This fact made the document to have a stronger argument. Comparing how the colonists were constrained by Britain to the way the enslaved people felt was a power tactic.
For my next assignment, I hope to start the assignment earlier so I can have more time to read the document and compare it with other sources. In addition, I want to do more research in the topic so I have a better background and understanding on what the document is conveying. I think reading more about a topic really helps me to comprehend the topic better. I also found that the more familiar I am with history and important documents such a declaration of independence the easier it is to find connections and references.