Question

benjamin banneker stated to thomas jefferson: \...but sir how pitiable is it to reflect, that altho you were so fully convinced of the benevolence of the father of mankind, and of his equal and impartial distribution of those rights and privileges which he had conferred upon them, that you should at the same time counteract his mercies, in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren....\

banneker is highlighting the contradiction between the ideals underlying the american revolution and which of the following?

a.) revolution
b.) slavery
c.) religious persecution
d.) political corruption

Explanation:

Analyze the historical quote

The quote is from a famous 1791 letter written by Benjamin Banneker, a free Black mathematician and astronomer, to Thomas Jefferson, who was then the U.S. Secretary of State and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Banneker quotes the religious and philosophical ideals of universal human rights ("equal and impartial distribution of those rights and privileges") that Jefferson and other founders championed.

Identify the contradiction

Banneker points out a direct contradiction: while Jefferson was "fully convinced" of these divinely given rights, he was at the same time "counteracting his mercies, in detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren." The phrase "detaining by fraud and violence so numerous a part of my brethren" refers directly to the enslavement of African Americans.

Connect to the options

Using the Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary Rhetoric knowledge points, we analyze how Banneker highlights the hypocrisy of advocating for liberty and natural rights while maintaining the institution of chattel slavery.

• a.) Revolution: This is the event that produced these ideals, not the contradictory practice.
• b.) Slavery: This is the practice of detaining people by force, which directly contradicts the ideal of universal liberty.
• c.) Religious persecution: The quote mentions God ("Father of mankind") but does not address religious persecution.
• d.) Political corruption: The focus is on human rights and liberty, not governmental bribery or administrative corruption.

Therefore, Banneker is highlighting the contradiction between revolutionary ideals and slavery.

Answer:

• a.) Revolution
• b.) Slavery (Correct answer)
• c.) Religious persecution
• d.) Political corruption