FREE ESSAY ON DAVID WALKER'S APPEALS

DAVID WALKER'S APPEALS

David Walker's Appeals
As I read David Walker's Appeals, I notice this final edition was published by Black
Classic Press. Webster's dictionary defines a classic as having lasting significance or
worth; enduring. Under these terms, I would have to disagree. Despite great efforts of
both the North and South to stop its publication, David Walker's Appeal became one of the
most widely read and circulated books ever written by a black person. Walker was
considered a hero by most abolitionists, who considered his book the boldest attack ever
written against slavery. It had significant effects on race relations in 1829 America.
However, as we enter the 21st century, David Walker's book appeals to very few. 
One theme found lingering in Walker's appeals is religion. It's obvious Walker's route to
literacy was through the Bible. The appeals are immersed with citations form the Old and
New Testaments. Much of his argument also deals with God in examining the actions of The
Christians (Whites). Article III., Our Wretchedness in Consequence of the Preachers of
the Religion of Jesus Christ, delves into the actions of the whites and how it
contradicts with their so-called beliefs. He wonders how slave owners can murder blacks
on Saturday and go to church on Sunday like nothing happened. 
Have not the Americans the Bible in their hands? Do they believe it? Surely they do not.
See how they treat us in open violation of the Bible!!
Another issue throughout his Appeals is disagreement. Besides the obvious lack of
understanding of the Whites and how they justify their actions, Walker also had trouble
comprehending the behavior of Blacks as well. In Article I, Our Wretchedness in
Consequence of Slavery, he conveys his feelings in regards to interracial relationships.

And I do say it, that the black man, or man of colour, who will leave his own colour
(provided he can get one, who is good for any thing) and marry a white woman, to be a
double slave to her, just because she is white, ought to be treated by her as he surely
will be, viz: as a NIGER!!!! 
Throughout the book he speaks of several occasions where conversation with Black folk
sickens him. In one incident, he explains to a coloured man the extent (or lack thereof)
of his son's education. In another, he questions the expectations of a slave who
proclaims to be completely happy cleaning the boots, clothes, etc. of Whites. 
...My objections are, to our glorifying and being happy in such low employments.
I think Walker had a hard time relating to his brothers because his experience was very
different than theirs. Because his mother was a free woman, the law freed Walker from the
chains of slavery. Although he observed the brutality of slavery, he did not endure it.
Very much like us, he was speaking in abstract, having no personal experience to fall
back on. In class you proposed a question dealing with saving our wives from rape, or
letting it happen. As the class became heating, it was apparent to me there was no right
or wrong answer. Until we are put in those life or death situations, we cannot
indefinitely secure a position.
The tone of Walker's Appeals also have a lot to do with him not being a slave. If
Walker's experience as a free black man filled him full of anger at the racism he
experienced, imagine how the slaves who actually endured it felt. I'd like to crack a
whip on Walker's ass 24-7 and see if he still proclaims a Kill Whitey!/Do something you
idiots. attitude.
I don't have very much to say about David Walker's Appeals. However, Walker himself
proves to be more important than his publication. A wise man once said you control people
in one of two ways: through fear or hope. Walker instilled hope in Blacks in a time where
the plantation was the staple of America. He argued that African Americans were degraded
by slavery and were kept in subjection through ignorance and through the perversion of
Christianity. He called for Blacks to wage war against their enemies. A revelation at the
time, Walker's book scandalized white Americans, to the point a $10,000 price was put on
his head. His Appeals are arguably the most radical of all antislavery documents. 
However, I still believe David Walker's Appeals has little to offer African Americans
today. A different time, we are faced with different problems (or at least the same ones
carried out in a different fashion). And different times call for different measures.
Perhaps, this piece is a classic in the obersvational sense: belonging to the highest
rank or class.