Frederick Douglass and Karl Marx

Kathryn Querner / Copy Editor / The USD Vista

The year 2018 marks the 200-year anniversary of the births of both Karl Marx and Frederick Douglass, two reformers whose influential works have shaped modern, social, political, and economic thought. In recognition of these two thinkers, the University of San Diego organized a series of panels featuring professors whose studies have included the works of Marx and Douglass.

Philosophy professor Corey Barnes, Ph.D., and English professor Irene Williams, Ph.D., were the speakers of the first panel in the series, which took place on Tuesday, Sept. 18 in the Humanities Center.

As this discussion focused on Douglass’s work, both Barnes and Williams read an essay of their own that they had written on Douglass. After being introduced, Williams read her essay from a podium in front of the crowded room. She proclaimed herself to be a reader and teacher of Douglass’s works for years, then began to discuss her experience reading and teaching his three autobiographical works: “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” (1845), “My Bondage and My Freedom” (1855), and “Life and Times of Frederick Douglass” (1881).

Portrait of a young Frederick Douglass.
Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons

Williams presented analyses of elements of Douglass’s autobiographies. She examined his crisp narrative voice, his use of hyperbole and omissions, and various other methods he uses to engage the reader with the realities of slavery and systemic racism throughout American history. She also explained that the autobiographical medium allows for the reader to better understand the atrocities and ongoing social and political consequences of the southern slave system. She concluded by stating her desire to include more of Douglass’s works into her courses, including some of his non-autobiographical works like poetry and essays. She expressed that Douglass’s works are critical to understanding the “afterlife of slavery,” especially in our modern era of social and racial turmoil in America. Sophomore English major Alana Botros was impressed by Williams’ ideas and presentation.

“I think Irene Williams did an amazing job of bringing into perspective what Frederick Douglass wanted (to convey) when writing his autobiography, as well as explaining how she wanted to use literature to bring awareness to her students,” Botros said. As the next speaker, Barnes opened his lecture with a quote from “My Bondage and My Freedom,” Douglass’s writing about hierarchical relationships in the slave system: “Reason is imprisoned here, and passions run wild.” He presented philosophical arguments regarding morality, justice, and humanity in Douglass’s works, specifically in reference to the slave/slaveholder relationship.

The entrance to the Humanities Center in Serra Hall, where the series is hosted.
Photo Courtesy of USD Media Gallery

Barnes’ ultimate argument was grounded in the idea that the relationship between slave and slaveholder, as reflected in Douglass’s works, is a detriment to moral development. He described how the natural affinity for humanity is corrupted by the power structure inherent to the slave system. He concluded by asking the audience to consider whether relations in our modern society are conducive to moral development.

When asked to expand on this, Barnes provided some further insight. “I wanted people to reflect on certain character traits that are within a moral agent, and the kind of society needed to develop a moral agent,” Barnes said. “USD should be thinking about whether or not our society and our school are developing moral agents.”

Botros felt that the message of tolerance and equality underlying the essays was relevant to the USD community. “Yes,” Botros said. “We are advancing and diversifying, but the school remains predominantly white.”

For the final 30 minutes of the event, students and teachers in the audience posed questions to both speakers. Some provocative questions instigated a thoughtful discussion regarding the roots of racism among the audience members and the speakers.

The next discussion in the “Frederick Douglass and Karl Marx: 200 Years of Influence (1818-2018)” series will focus on Karl Marx, and will be held on Nov 29. Further details have yet to be released.

(For more information visit the Humanities Center in Serra Hall)