Comments on: In honor of Frederick Douglass’s birthday – update

By: Fox

Fox — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:58:24 +0000

It is great to see someone focusing on the ideas of Historical figures, as opposed to just saying “He/she did this, that etc..” People are afraid of making definitive statements on the important aspects of U.S. history due to PC values and censorship.

Hats off to you for this entry.

By: Mat Wilson

Mat Wilson — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:07:09 +0000

I remember my 11th grade English teacher telling me this story about Mr. Covey and Douglas only about a year ago. I never forgot it. It was very inspiring how little Douglas knew and the fact he was a slave — because he was virtually born into it, he originally identified with it… at least until he beat the shit out of Mr. Covey.

By: Lynne Bourque

Lynne Bourque — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:42:46 +0000

We really enjoyed the portrayal of Douglass by Guy Peartree. His presentation was somewhat brief, but his Q&A period was great as he remained in character. While it was not for specifically for children, there were many in the audience, so perhaps this is why he did not concentrate on the his chattelhood, but rather on his efforts in becoming and remaining a tireless abolitionist.

http://www.jodisolomonspeakers.com/guypeartree.html

As he’s in Boston, perhaps there’s a way to see him during OCON.

By: Terry Schaub

Terry Schaub — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:55:52 +0000

Van Leer apparently chose to focus on the part of Douglass’ life where he was victimized; rather than focus on his ability to rise above racism and use the individual traits that allowed him to do that.

By: Erik Kludasch

Erik Kludasch — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:04:31 +0000

Amen Debi. I have really enjoyed these posts about Douglass. Especially the 2 hour lecture you gave, really amazing stuff. I’ve learned a lot about him from you and have been inspired to do more reading about this great man. Thank you for shining a light on a hero, because so many are lost in the dark today.

By: Lionell Griffith

Lionell Griffith — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:25:15 +0000

One who is free never submits. One who submits was never free.

By: Joseph Kellard

Joseph Kellard — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:58:37 +0000

Debi,

Thank you for this post. It further demonstrates to me how the moderns interpret historical figures, leaving out relevant facts about them and ultimately arriving at a non-objective, anti-heroic view of such important men and women.
Joseph Kellard