Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (Abdulla)

In chapter 10, Frederick Douglass comments on the celebration that is held from Christmas to New Years in which slaves are encouraged to take part. (269) This is when they have “all the fun in the world” and are free to take all their frustrations out. It’s a time in which they drink, sing and dance. This is something that I find really interesting about the American history of slavery because I thought there wasn’t any free time whatsoever for them. But it makes a lot of sense, like Douglass stated, it is a way of keeping people trapped in their position. They get a false notion of freedom and think life without this moment of fun would be difficult. “These holidays serve as conductors, or safety valves, to carry off the rebellious spirits of enslaved humanity.” (269) Other than the most important tool of oppression, which is the lack of education, this is definitely second in the order of significance. The slaveholders practically sell the concept of hope annually. It is surprising they thought so deeply to perform something so evil and vile. Furthermore, Frederick Douglass realizing such a small aspect of a complex system showcases how aware he was of the lies sold to him, even when the people around him didn’t notice a thing. He always felt like an outsider because he was able to see the truth and it seemed like no one else was ever looking for it. They bought or were forced to buy whatever their slaveholders told them. If you believe that this is the life that you are supposed to live then moments like these are what you look forward to. The daily pain and suffering all begin to feel the same because you become numb to all of it. You begin to see this small celebration as the good thing that you wait for after a year of bad.