Declaration of Sentiments, American Anti-Slavery Society, 1833

1. What is the author arguing?

In this document, written by William Lloyd Garrison, the author is arguing that it is a crime to enslave African Americans. Not only is it a crime but also it is morally wrong. He writes that all persons of all color have the right to possess the same privileges and to exercise the same prerogatives. He argues that it does not matter what our skin complexion is, we were all made by god and we should all have the same rights and equal chance at making a living.

2. How does the author appear to logos, pathos, and ethos with their argument?

The Author appeals to logos by saying, “it is a piracy to buy or steal a native African, and subject him to servitude. Surely the sin is as great to enslave an American as an African.” By using simple reasoning he can relate to more people that may not agree with him right away. He said that babies were ripped out of their mothers arms, wives from their husbands, and they suffered from hunger, only because they had a dark skin complexion, it made me angry just thinking about it. This appeals to Pathos. Finally, he appeals to ethos by the respect he had gained. Across the nation his newspaper, The Liberator, had won him respect and praise.  He also showed that he was a man who cared. He wasn’t doing this for his own praise but to help slaves become free men and women.

3. What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?

In 1833, the American Anti-Slavery Society was formed. The declaration of Sentiments was written to argue against slavery in moral, legal, and biblical terms. William Lloyd Garrison’s newspaper, The Liberator, had won praise and it lead to this document. Abolitionists alongside Garrison also worked hard to free the slaves and did whatever they could to get their word out there. They knew it wasn’t going to be easy but because of men with courage and good moral values, we live in a nation where everybody is equal.

4. Do you find the author’s argument convincing? Why or why not?

Yes, of course. It is awesome to see that people like William Lloyd Garrison were out there trying to make a difference in society. It takes a lot of courage to go out and publish something like this and he did an amazing job. Not everyone would be able to put their word out there and risk their reputation to stand up for something they believe in. No one should be treated with such disrespect or be abused just because they have a different skin complexion. It is morally and ethically wrong and he did a great job of writing that out and revealing it to everyone.