Nigger Quote by Frederick Douglass
““it was worth half-cent to kill a "nigger", and a half-cent to bury one.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, 1845
The quote reflects the dehumanizing value placed on Black lives, reducing them to monetary terms for killing and burial.
In simple terms: Black lives were treated as cheap commodities.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge dehumanizing attitudes.
Themes
racism
human value
violence
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
historical
critical
When to use this quote
- historical oppression
- racial violence
- civil rights activism
Key Concepts
dehumanization
economic exploitation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this perspective inform modern discussions on racial justice?
- What mechanisms perpetuate the commodification of human life?
A Different Perspective
The quote is a historical artifact and may not represent current societal values.
