How did Douglass refute the prevailing southern (and northern) perception of slave songs?
Answer (3)
He did not understand the songs at first but attributes the sad songs to his realization of how dehumanizing slavery was.
Frederick Douglass refuted the perception of slave songs by exposing them as expressions of suffering and prayers for freedom, countering the southern paternalistic view of slavery as benevolent. His personal experiences with these songs revealed to him the true dehumanizing nature of slavery, a stark contrast to the positive image propagated by pro-slavery advocates. ;
Frederick Douglass refuted the misconceptions of slave songs by illustrating their real meanings as expressions of anguish and a longing for freedom, rather than signs of happiness. He shared his personal experiences to highlight the emotional depth of the songs, challenging the paternalistic views held by both Southern and Northern audiences. Through his powerful testimony, he revealed the true horrors of slavery and emphasized the pain inherent in these songs.
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