The Age Of Reform.

Essay by Catrox10High School, 10th gradeA+, May 2003

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Liberator - "Our Country Is the World, Our Countrymen are Mankind"

Nov. 1848

As publisher of Liberator, I am very aware of the reforms necessary to the country. While those reforms primarily lie within the boundaries of slavery and women's rights, there are equally as important minor reforms being made. After meeting with two reformers of my time, this fact has become even more evident.

A pure hearted Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, working hard to assist the deaf, is one of the most admirable reformers. Though this particular reform may not be as essential to todays living as others, Gallaudet has found something he enjoys, which is beneficial to society and the entire country, and followed that. After meeting Alice Cogwells in 1814, Gallaudet has been forever inspired. Unsatisfied by the teaching methods in England, he transferred to Paris at the Institute Royal Des Sounds-Muets. Here he met Leurent Clerc, whom he studied with and eventually followed back to the United States, and started the American School of the Deaf.

Clerc taught Hopkins sign language and how to read lips, and proceeded to name the school after Hopkins. Luckily, the vast majority of the country supports his work, and may be declared a success. The school thrives, and Hopkins remains a commendable man and reformer.

As a reformer myself, I understand the hardships and setbacks involved in public, or even personal, success. Many obstacles are thrown ahead, especially the disapproval of the general public. Many a time, I have experienced these difficulties first hand. Ever since being released on charges of libel in 1830, I've advocated immediate and complete emancipation of all slaves. Alas, I've come to realize that this goal is not quite as easily accomplished as was Gallaudet's, and for that I relate myself more closely to the other...