1) Read the Declaration (in the textbook).
2) Watch the clip from John Adams (be sure to read the background info for the clip)
3) Post your response here.
*Post all reading responses in the "comments" section.
Response guidelines:
100-250 words.
1) Respond: What does this text make you think, feel, or (want to) do? "Nothing" is not an acceptable answer.
2) Analyze: What specific words or phrases had that effect on you, and why, do you think? Is that what the author was trying to do? What else about the text might have helped with--or hindered--that effect?
Optional and encouraged: make connections to other texts, raise questions, apply the "5 analytical moves" once we practice this in class.
1/12/09
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The Declaration of Independence was an extremely well written document in a desperate time in our nation’s history. It clearly explains the ill treatment of the King of England against the colonies and the reasons for the United States starting the American Revolution. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This statement is the most important of the document and the statement most pertaining to this class. The statement is also the most hypercritical and alarming. The statement’s goal is to instill social justice to all men; but one group of people was not included in being worthy enough for these rights, slaves. Many of the writers such as Thomas Jefferson owned slaves and when saying “all men were created equally,” meant all but slaves. An owner could beat to death and face no criminal penalty at this time, could limit all freedom of their slaves, and work them far more than what is reasonable. The document is a great document and trying to establish social justice to all, other than slaves. Over history we have continued to establish social justice, but as hard as we try social injustice will always exist.
ReplyDeleteThe Declaration of Independence is a well-put together document that represents everything that this country stands for. I liked how the writers first wrote how “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. It is almost ironic that this statement was put in the document considering many of the men who signed it owned slaves. Second in the document is a list of wrongs done by the King of Great Britain, and because of all of these wrongdoings it was no surprise that these men felt the need to break away from Great Britain, because after all, “all men are created equal”, but in Great Britain they weren’t being treated as if they were. For too long they were ignored by British citizens and had no voice, therefore the decision to declare independence as the United States of America was put into action. With this new independence, the people of the United States of America could levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and other acts that independents states could do. I agree with everything that is written in this document. All men are created equally, and should be treated that way. No one should be judged on how they look or where they come from. I also agree with when they say any government that becomes too controlling or tyrant should have all ties severed because too much control can get out of hand.
ReplyDeleteWhen I initially read the Declaration of Independence, I didn’t feel any particular way. However, after reading it a few more times, it gave me mixed feelings. If I interpreted it correctly, I got that people were sick of being ruled by the King of Britain, who was a tyrant. And that each and ever person is entitled to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. Now after seeing the video clip it made me feel good to know that the three men agreed that slavery was a bad thing. I thought it was great that they were standing up for what they believed was right and just. But I also felt as though it was little hypocrytal in the sense that. If everyone is entitled to these things then were the Native Americans excluded. And I don’t mean in a racial way. I think that it was written with no prejudice to anyone. But I would like to know who it was written for. Did they write this specifically for the colonist, the slaves, the Native Americans or for each and every human being? Did they (Native Americans, Slaves) not fall in the category of men? But forcing the Native Americans off their land, kind of goes hand in hand with what the King of Great Britain was doing to them. Or at least I think that they would both fall under tyranny.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Declaration of Independence was extremely well written especially considering the time period that it was created. The colonies desperately wanted freedom from Britain and the declaration of independence contained all the reasons why. The one line that I feel really conveys this message and gets the point across is “…by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do” This statement explains exactly what the colonies hope to achieve and it ties the entire Declaration of Independence together. As far as the John Adams video is concerned, the argument about slavery stood out to me most. I think it was very interesting how the forefathers were proposing equality among all men but at the same time still allowing slavery to continue.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the Declaration of Independence, many thoughts ran through my mind. One was 'what does that mean? I need to read it again'. Once I let the information sink in, I felt proud of my country and the history that it holds. This document explains how the colonies were tired of being under Great Britain's rule and showing, with evidence, why they wanted to break free. It provided the colonies and future Americans hope for an independent, strong, and proud country. Another thing I felt after reading it was motivation and determination because these young gentlemen not only wanted to change the way things were but they actually did it. They fought and believed they could do something for their fellow countrymen and for all the Americans to come. The John Adams video gave me that feeling and also a sense of how the drafting and signing went about. One quote that really stood out to me was "that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". The document was explaining how everyone is equal and should be treated equally with fair rights. This quote is saying that of all the rights a person deserves, life, liberty, and happiness are the most significant. Every human being should have these 3 rights because it will help this country come together to become a free, fair,and powerful country.
ReplyDeleteGood questions and comments so far...you've raised some interesting questions. As you continue to post, keep honing in on specific words and phrases that have a particular effect on you.
ReplyDeleteAnyone interested in a little extra work (haha) see if you can find Jefferson's first draft--that's the one they're reading from in the video clip--and consider what was taken out of it for the final version.
What amazes me most about the Declaration of Independence is not necessarily the eloquent wording, but the changes it sparked. While many great documents have been written throughout history, very few, if any, can boast results such as the ones brought on by the Declaration. With phrases such as “as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do” and “we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor”, the men who wrote this great work set the stage for a great new world. The fact that this article succeeded in changing a nation and the world shows us all today that a document made in seriousness and complete faith in its credibility can right wrongs. Although we have incurred some problems in the way of our government and these issues may or may not pale in comparison to the way the British treated our ancestors, our country is still better off today because of the one document that believes in freedom and justice.
ReplyDeleteWith words of endowment the Declaration of Independence expresses the fine ideas as well as the desire for the rights 'we the people' are entitled too. Ideas of the rights provided to all free people allure thoughts of imagination and creation. Thomas Jefferson's most empowering thoughts became this countries anthem, and can only bring upon feelings of pride. Social justice is the main drive in this document, proving that from decades ago leading up to today, most individuals do strive for just in society as well as one's natural born right. The feeling of strength, motivation and thanks make a spark in my mind after reading and reading... this document, not only by the well written words but how one's determination and simplistic take on his vision for the American Revolution had and still have affect on our nation. Needless to say he sure has a way with words.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the Declaration of Independence, I realized that "New Americans" were receiving much torment from the British. I knew before reading this that Americans felt heavy tax burdens and little freedom, but I did not realize that the British King tortured the Americans and their way of life so much.
ReplyDeleteWhen the American public would get the chance to read the Declaration of Independence, they must have felt some kind of nationalistic movement in their hearts. They should have known that this document was going to create animosity, but it could also be the answer to their prayers for freedom.
The word that struck me the most in the Declaration of Independence was "tyrant." Tyrant is such a strong word; not only was it being used towards the British, but it was also used to directly describe the King. To me, calling the King of England a tyrant is a very big deal.
The movie clip took me a little off guard. Thomas Jefferson acted like he did care that Benjamin Franklin was changing the content of his Declaration of Independence. Jefferson even changed the subject when he was being complimented about his work. I did not understand Jefferson’s actions during that scene. I would have thought that Jefferson would have been ultra-protective of his work of art.
After reading The Declaration of Independence I realized it is what the American society should be. Although The United States is known for its proud and dominant stance, this shows the struggle and bravery of our forefathers. citizens of the 13 colonies fought together to overcome Great Britain’s rule. “Whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government.” To protect Americans future security it was the colonies right and duty to declare independence. Americans had considerably different beliefs about the ideas for life. The document’s fight for justice and freedom is powerful and demanding, yet had no legal force. Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence changed the future for all mankind.
ReplyDeleteI want to start with saying that most of the content in the Declaration of Independence amazes me, and not in a way that some are amazed. I am taken aback. The document parallels patterns of abuse in that “the abused” often times becomes “the abuser”. I say that because while reading the Declaration, I often pause and think to myself how easily we forget. While these men fought intensely to rid themselves of social injustice, they would go on to adopt the same practices, in which they accused the King of Great Britain, that caused “repeated injuries and usurpations” to the country’s people. Both the United States’ past and present practices/actions have made the Declaration of Independence hypocritical.
ReplyDeleteIn more ways than one this analogy seems appropriate, but for argument’s sake I’ll narrow my focus to the “repeated injuries” inflicted on the African American people (since it is no big secret that Blacks have been victims of social injustice. Can you say chattel slavery?). Included in the Declaration as “facts” of the King’s “absolute tyranny over the states” is: “For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury” and “For protecting them, by mock trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit”, which were both practices that were copied and applied. Blacks were considered guilty and executed for alleged crimes without the privilege of trial by jury. If a Black man were to receive a trial, it was unfair and prejudiced to say the least. Sam Hose was brutally beaten and lynched for killing a white man, despite the testimony of the murdered man’s wife that Hose acted in self-defense. (For more information on this history visit www.withoutsanctuary.org)
How/Why is it that a country founded in the hopes of avoiding such practices repeats them?
Although the Declaration of Independence has proven to be a well written document, it has also proven to be unjust. While reading the Declaration many questions raced through my mind. If this is a document written for "all men that are created equal , that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights", then what happened to all of these God given rights? If we were given these rights by our creator then were our founding fathers playing the role of God? Where were the rights of slaves and other indigenous groups? While watching the video the same questioning point was reiterated "all men are created equal", but when asked about slavery the comments "this independence not emancipation" and "there is no immediate solution to slavery" were stated.
ReplyDeleteThese men broke free from the king of Great Britain to escape the ruling of a tyrant, but went forth to do the same barbaric acts.If we compared our troubled history of human rights to the tyranny of the king of Great Britain many similar unjust acts would be found. We have grown to be a prosperous nation and right many of our wrongs, but did we truly follow this great document? Did our founding fathers follow it themselves?
After reading The Declaration of Independence, I found the document to be somewhat hypocritical. Assuming that I am interpreting it correctly, I don't understand how it criticizes the King of Great Britain, "whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant," when the men who signed the Declaration themselves could be described quite similarly for owning slaves. In the video clip of Franklin, Jefferson, and Adams, John Adams reads aloud, "The Christian King of Great Britain has waged cruel war on human nature itself." How can they not see that slavery is such a severe offense to human nature as well? As Adams begins to read in the clip he realizes that this is "not only a declaration of our rights, but of the rights of all men." After this realization, I am confused how how these men are striving to declare independence from Great Britain but avoid the slightly similar topic of whether or not slaves will be able to declare freedom from their owners.
ReplyDeleteThe Declaration of Independence holds the same significance today as it did back when it was first created. The foundation work began with freedom. Back then when society and just a nation itself was less complex compared to today, these words describe a simple, yet powerful, idea. "...[T]hat all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." I could not completely agree more with this powerful statement. What is a life without happiness? Why would anyone want to struggle throughout life not to reach or even think of one day attaining it? However, times have grown and changed; but somehow as complex as society and our lives get, the Declaration of Independence can and still will hold truths that will outlast any changes of time. I feel everything that was listed about the "tyrant" was something that if it were here today, many people would probably feel the same way about. (Even though I am not or will not speak for anyone but myself.) The thoughts of Thomas Jefferson were a huge leap in the direction for indepence for so many people. Even John Adams in the movie clip agreed completely with him, so that just shows how great of a stride this was in accomplishing and starting the building blocks to this nation. It only makes me take a step back and evaluate my life in such a way that only helps me realize what's truly important. Today, I tend to worry about unnecessary ordeals, and if I were alive back when freedom had not been esablished, I know exactly what I would be fighting for along with the rest.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the Declaration of Independence the first time, it felt about the same as it did when I read it in high school. After reading it a few more times and really reading it very thoroughly, I am just astonished that we were able to write in this time of our nations history that,"All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights." I find this statement to be the most interesting. I know that Jefferson owned many slaves through out his life time, and even though I am not doubting the sincerity of this statement or this document as a whole, I find it very hypoctitical that he would write this. I completely agree with it, and that we could really use this statement even to this day. Watching the election I was just astonished how many times people would use race as a backbone of who they would support in this election. It wouldn't matter to some people what McCain stood for, or Obama stood for. I just find it very appalling that to this day this is something that we as a country are still struggeling with. Another part of this document that really stood out to me is the long train of abuses Jefferson mentions. When he mentions that they must,"reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security." It is clear in this statement the train of abuses that King George III perpetrated on the American colonies. This is a great document in our nations history, that not only influenced American history, but history of the World. It with out a doubt helped many other countries who were in search of their independence, and helped bring freedom to a great Nation.
ReplyDeleteFrom KNick1:
ReplyDeleteThe Declaration of Independence is an extremely well written document outlining the injustices Great Britain put on America. The authors of this incredible document very carefully played on the emotions of every person that was fighting for freedom in America. My favorite line is, “He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.” This line feeds off of the emotions of the colonist, and helps people today understand why the colonist turned against the King and fought for their freedom. Another emotional statement is when the authors state, “ all men are created equal, that
they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This
statement is even evident in the past and today. People expecting this statement to be upheld tore down segregation in America. Women received voting rights because included in the definition of equal is being able to help decided who runs our country. The Founding Fathers have took a country full of misery and pain and turned it into a free nation, only
out to govern itself, occasionally make mistakes but come together under the declaration of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
I think that the Declaration was a really well written document. I'm really glad that we had to read it for class because I can't remember the last time I actually sat down and read the Declaration of Independence. There were a lot of things in it that surprised me, such as:
ReplyDelete"...That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government..."
I don't think people really take to understand their rights as citizens of this country, so by understanding what our country was founded by we then can make better judgement as citizens of the U.S.
When I first read the Declaration of independence, its content didn’t affect me. I have read the document so many times in classes, and heard it referenced so many times in the media, that I suppose I had become jaded. Upon reading it a second and third time, I finally started to pick it apart. The overall message of unity and acceptance within our nation, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” is one that we as modern Americans should remind ourselves of. We take our freedoms for granted, and we tend to use them for “evil,” not “good.” What I mean is that we are given so many freedoms, such as being able to elect officials, having some say in taxation, and having the freedom to succeed. Our country has now arrived at a place where we have lost sight of what used to set the United States apart –community. Our founding fathers used phrases like “the right of the people” to emphasize the importance of and attention paid to the general population. That means all those who are suffering, from all walks of life, and all income brackets. Reading the declaration has reminded me of the unity that served as a driving force for our independence. The text now evokes a sense of disappointment to me, because I feel we as a nation have forgotten that we are all in this together. Particularly in this time of economic strife, and during this great time of change within our nation, re-reading the Declaration of Independence is a task that would benefit more than just our English class.
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