Identify Evidence and Conclusion

Question

For the present, it is enough to affirm the equal manhood of the Negro race. Is it not astonishing that, while we are ploughing, planting, and reaping, using all kinds of mechanical tools, erecting houses . . . 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 . . . 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!

—Frederick Douglass

Answer 1

In the provided excerpt by Frederick Douglass, we can identify the following evidence and conclusion:

Evidence:

1. The activities and roles of the Negro race: Douglass lists various ways in which Black individuals actively contribute to society, such as ploughing, planting, mechanical work, reading, writing, and holding professional roles like lawyers, doctors, ministers, and teachers.
2. The description of familial structures: He notes that they live in families, fulfilling roles as husbands, wives, and children.
3. Faith and spirituality: Douglass emphasizes that they confess and worship the Christian God and have hopes for life and immortality.

Conclusion: Douglass concludes that it is astonishing and unjust that, despite all these contributions and qualities that affirm their humanity, the Negro race is still challenged to prove their status as men. This highlights the argument for the equal manhood of the Negro race and critiques the societal perceptions that undermine their humanity.

Answer 2

What is Douglass’s conclusion?

African Americans should not need to prove that they are people, but they are constantly forced to anyway.

It is necessary to prove that African Americans are people because so many others are unsure.

African Americans are as manly as white Americans.

Answer 3

Douglass's conclusion is best summarized by the statement:

"African Americans should not need to prove that they are people, but they are constantly forced to anyway."

In the excerpt, he emphasizes the various contributions and roles of African Americans in society, expressing astonishment that they are still required to demonstrate their humanity and equal status as men. This reflects his broader argument against the unjust notion that they must validate their existence and humanity.

Answer 4

What evidence does Douglass provide to support his conclusion?

Answer 5

Frederick Douglass provides several pieces of evidence to support his conclusion that African Americans should not need to prove their humanity:

1. Active Participation in Economic Activities: He mentions that African Americans are engaged in essential labor such as "ploughing, planting, and reaping," showing that they are integral to agricultural production.

2. Use of Mechanical Tools: Douglass points out their proficiency in using "all kinds of mechanical tools," highlighting their skills and contributions to various trades and industries.

3. Educational Achievements: He notes that African Americans are involved in reading, writing, and ciphering, which indicates their access to education and intellectual engagement.

4. Professional Roles: Douglass lists various professional roles filled by African Americans, such as "lawyers, doctors, ministers, poets, authors, editors, orators, and teachers." This demonstrates their capability and equality in contributing to society in respected fields.

5. Family Structures: He emphasizes that they live in families, fulfilling roles as husbands, wives, and children, which underscores their humanity and social responsibilities akin to other races.

6. Faith and Spirituality: Douglass mentions that African Americans "confess and worship the Christian’s God" and have hope for "life and immortality beyond the grave," demonstrating their moral and spiritual dimensions.

Through this evidence, Douglass argues that, given these varied and significant contributions to society, it is both astonishing and unjust that African Americans are still required to prove their humanity and equal status.