Question

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 ciphering, 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! Based on the excerpt above, what was most likely true about this time in the nation’s history? Whaling was the most profitable industry for African Americans. Ships were the primary means of transporting goods for African Americans. African Americans were performing the same duties as others without the same rights. More industries were created by African Americans during this period than any other time in our nation’s history.

Answer 1

Answer:

Among the options given on the question the correct answer is option  C.

African Americans were performing the same duties as others without the same rights

Explanation: The excerpt given on the question is the part of speech of Frederick Douglass who was known for as one of the leading figures of the Antislavery movement in 1800s. He escaped from slavery and later freed himself from slavery. After being the freed man he devoted himself in anti slavery movement and soon became well known to all for his activities in Rochester, New York where he settled himself.

In 1852, he was invited by the citizens of the town to give speech on 4th July celebration. He accepted it and gave the speech which became later famous.

However the excerpt described in the question indicates the true of his time, that African Americans were performing the same duties as others without the same rights. Because he mentioned about the activities and the contribution of the African Americans in the nation during that time. They were working in the military, they were doing business, they were working in factories, hospitals. They had family,they also confess and worship of Christian God.

But still they were deprived of their right as a citizen like others. The line," we are called upon to prove that we are men" describes the disappointment being discriminated on the basis of race even after performing the same duty as other citizens.