from maria w.stewarts speech, sit here and die, How does Stewart apply religion in her arguments? What would be the purpose of this application?
Maria W. Stewart’s speech "Sit here and Die" was written in the 19th century and addresses issues of racial inequality and injustice in the United States. In her speech, Stewart criticizes African American men who refuse to actively fight against racial oppression and instead choose to accept their fate. To support her arguments, Stewart applies religious references and principles.
Stewart uses religion as a foundation for her argument, employing biblical references and Christian teachings to appeal to her audience's religious beliefs and values. By doing so, Stewart aims to resonate with her predominantly African American audience, who were deeply influenced by Christianity during this era.
The purpose of Stewart's application of religion in her arguments is twofold. Firstly, she seeks to assert the inherent dignity and worth of African Americans as children of God, equal in divine eyes. By tying religion with the fight against injustice, Stewart urges her audience to recognize their worth and challenge the oppressive systems that devalue them. In this way, she aims to inspire a sense of empowerment, confidence, and resistance within the African American community.
Secondly, Stewart employs religious rhetoric to call out the hypocrisy and inconsistency of religious slaveholders and white supremacists who claim to be devout Christians. She condemns their actions as contradictory to the teachings of love, equality, and justice found in the Bible. By highlighting this contradiction, Stewart challenges the legitimacy of the oppressive systems perpetuated by those in power, and aims to expose the moral bankruptcy of their arguments.
In summary, Maria W. Stewart applies religion in her arguments in order to inspire a sense of empowerment, dignity, and resistance among African Americans, as well as expose the hypocrisy of those who use religion to justify racial oppression.