Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass had many issues with the system of slavery that existed in the United States during the 1800's. Perhaps the greatest qualm he had towards slavery was the treatment of human beings by fellow human beings. While reading his work, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written by Himself," it was apparent that he greatly disapproved with the treatment of slaves.
Right away in the first chapter, Douglass shares stories of slave owners abusing their workers. He writes, "And it is worthy of remark that such slaves invariably suffer greater hardships, and have more to contend with, than others...she [the slaveowner] is never better pleased than when she sees them under the lash." For the slaves, it was their norm to be abused, and this abuse often was a result of the owner's desire to show their power rather than an actual reason for inducing pain.
As Douglass transitions from being a slave on a plantation to a slave in Baltimore, he finds differences in the ways slaves are treated. He remarks,
"I had resided but a short time in Baltimore before I observed a marked difference, in the treatment of slaves, from that which I had witnessed in the country. He is much better fed and clothed, and enjoys privileges altogether unknown to the slave on the plantation. There is a vestige of decency, a sense of shame, that does much to curb and check those outbreaks of atrocious cruelty so commonly enacted upon the plantation."
The slave owners in the North seemed to treat their slaves better out of shame for the treatment of slaves on plantations, which are differences that do not go unnoticed by Frederick Douglass.
As Douglass returns to life on the plantation, he yet again is surrounded by menacing slave owners who punish slaves with cruelty. He recalls, "Mr. Hopkins was even worse than Mr. Weeden. His chief boast was his ability to manage slaves. The peculiar feature of his government was that of whipping slaves in advance of deserving it." These slave owners and their treatments, as well as Douglass' experience in the North created in him a desire to escape before it was too late.  
As Frederick Douglass recalls much of his life in his autobiography, he includes details about slave owners and their treatment of slaves. As his story progresses, the reader is able to see the variety of owners, slaves, and treatments that can be found throughout the United States during the 1800's.  

Lindeman Pond

A weary one trudged through a fine dusting of snow, on their way to this place called Lindeman Pond. It was a blustery, November-ish day, meaning the less time outside, the better. The white flakes falling at random turned the mind to things such as fireplaces, good books, and a cup of hot cocoa, instead of the pond and assignment at hand. Focus, focus, focus. What had been learned about Lindeman pond? Not much. A site for biology courses, rec services activities, and collection for run-off water were this pond's purpose. Pretty lame, thought the trekker. This pond held so much more value, in ways that cannot be measured.
Once at the pond, there was a sense of emptiness. It seemed days could pass, and people would not notice the pond. The small changes each day. Only as the seasons changed, as on this day, would people see the differences in this pond. Many call Luther home, and this includes others than humans. Lindeman Pond is known as a habitat for painted turtles, spring peepers, and bluegill, among other organisms. It provides water to the deer that meander through campus, and a place of rest for the geese passing through in the spring and fall. If the homes for students are kept up, why isn't this home for our natural neighbors?
This pond was clearly visible nearly every day last year to the student. Practice was held in the open space behind the pond, meaning a hike around the pond multiple times a week. Many sunsets were viewed through the lines of the trees, and reflected in the pond. Days, then months passed, and soon the student was on the other side of campus, missing the view over the pond and valley. A simple beauty taken for granted. While perched in one of the Towers, this student oftentimes saw students crafting a plan for getting their Frisbees out of the pond. Lindeman Pond also had value as a hazard on the disc golf course.
Lindeman Pond may not serve an abundant number of purposes on Luther College's campus, but it does provide aesthetic value. On this day, while shivering with teeth chattering, this trekker saw the pond, surrounded by brush and swaying trees, for the unique scene it offers day in and day out.