The fact that we make no show of our ability is held conclusive of our inability to make any, hence all the indifference and contempt with which incapacity is regarded fall upon us, and that too when we have had no means of disproving the infamous opinion of our natural inferiority.
Douglass argues that the absence of visible Black American achievement is wrongly interpreted as proof of inherent inability, leading to societal contempt and reinforcing racist views.
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The anti-slavery platform had performed its work, and my voice was no longer needed.
The sentiment that brings us here to-day is one of the noblest that can stir and thrill the human heart.
A son of toil himself, he was linked in brotherly sympathy with the sons of toil in every loyal part of the republic.