"I was raised among slaves, and have also owned them, and am well aware that the slaves live better and fare better in many respects than the free blacks." - A. C. C. Thompson [Former Slaveholder]

After reading this quote from Mr. Thompson, the former slaveholder, how does this make you feel? Speaking for myself, and possibly many others, I feel outraged, angered, and disgraced. Mr. Thompson publicly dismisses Frederic Douglass's narrative as a lie. He publicly writes Douglass stating that Douglass made up everything in his narrative. The troubling fact of this quote is that Mr. Thompson actually believes that free blacks are treated better than slaves. Yet, this does not surprise me for ignorance is a safe haven for many people. 

"Humility and knowledge in poor clothes excel pride and ignorance in costly attire." - William Penn

William Penn's quote accurately represents everything Douglass wants us to understand. Through out the entire narrative of Douglass, Douglass wants us, the readers, to become aware of the circumstances that so many slaves lived in. In the case of William Penn's quote, Douglass represents humility and knowledge while Thompson, and other slave holders, represent ignorance. Douglass experienced this ignorance throughout his entire life. 

I would like to discuss the topic of ignorance further. I think that ignorance is something that every single person can relate to. Whether one wants to admit it or not, we are all guilty of ignorance on a daily basis. Although this assumption seems slightly pessimistic, it carries a lot of truth with in it. The United States, as shown in the narrative of Douglass, was extremely oblivious to the concept of slavery. For quite some time, slaves were referred to as property rather than human beings. How can that be? Did slave owners and supporters simply not know any different?

It is shocking to read actual accounts of the atrocious acts of so many American's as demonstrated with in the narrative of Douglass. However, aside from all of the negatives that occurred because of ignorance, it is satisfying to see one man define all of it and emerge successful. I think Douglass truly wants us to realize the what ignorance can do to someone, or in this case, an entire race. Through his expression and actual account of his life, we are able to see what education, determination, and perseverance can achieve. It is important that we try to acknowledge what we are doing to avoid ignorance at all costs. Admittedly, it is virtually impossible to complete this task. However, small numbers eventually add up to larger numbers. Thus, creating a significant difference in the world. 

I want to leave you with one last thought. Has the United States been guilty of ignorance before? (Hint Below)

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