Introduction
David Walker was a black abolitionist who was very outspoken. His fiery thoughts were put to paper in the famous document: Appeal in 1929. Through this document and other works, Walker hoped to free southern slaves and black northerners. His book may also have been directed towards slave masters and northern whites who could have been curious enough to read his book. He campaigned for immediate emancipation instead of the delayed approaches and colonization schemes espoused by anti-slavery groups. This publication worked in terrifying white masters. Once published, this document was circulated widely in the North and South. The document had a resounding effect and is associated with the tightening of the state laws that dealt with free black citizens and slaves. Policies related to slavery were also influenced by this publication.
Walker’s publication challenged the ideas espoused in several American political documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the constitution that implied that black men were not equal to white men. He provides several arguments in this regard. For example, he asserted that blacks were the same as whites by posing the question: “are we men?” He supports this argument by stating that man should submit only to God and not to a fellow man. Based on this, he writes that black people should not obey a white master since their only master is God.
Another major argument made in Walker’s document in support of his claim of equality between blacks and whites is in disputing the assertion that blacks are not human. In his writing, he challenges white “tyrants” to prove to him that black Egyptians mistreated Israelites by claiming that they were not human. He denounces the idea that black people are from a different origin (such as “monkeys”). In addition, he challenges scientific racism and the practice of appropriating religion to give reason for slavery. He also denounces the claims of Thomas Jefferson who believed that when a white master was murdered, slaves in his house were condemned to die. More importantly, Walker calls for action, justifying his claims with the reasoning that white masters did not value the lives of their black slaves. He urges slaves to unite and revolt against their white masters.
The arguments provided by Walker in the document: Appeal are somewhat over-zealous. Most of them are well-grounded while others are not underpinned by credible interpretation. For example, his assertion that all men are equal and that human beings, whether black or white, should submit to only the Almighty God is accurate. While his call for black slaves to rise and revolt against white masters is extreme, it is justified by the context in which slavery existed at the time of writing this document. Walker’s interpretation of the declaration of independence and attempts to discredit its portrayal of God and Religion is not convincing enough.
Conclusion
Through the Appeal, Walker hoped to free southern slaves and black northerners. He makes several arguments against slavery by denouncing the idea that black are less human than their white counterparts. Overall, Walker’s attempt to cause the abolition of slavery is commendable. The Appeal’s tremendous impact in southern and northern states may be explained by the idea that slaves interpreted the document as a rallying point for their revolt. This reaction acts to vindicate Walker’s arguments if any of them had been questioned.
