Hi @jeffreymartin. It's a somber story that reflects in a way numerous elements that are still practiced and felt today.

1.Appearance of not being prejudiced in front of others. Just as today, the outside appearances of discrimination doesn't match what's heartfelt. Hence, talked amongst each other as dinner discussions, but act civil in public. That how kids learn.

2.Discrimination. When Douglass was "rented" out, I believe, he worked alongside caucasians who feared the loss of their jobs if slaves knew as much as they did and were elevated. They quickly realized they needed to keep them from the workforce. Beginnings of modern thinking to ensure inequality. This covers a host of other suppression tactics today.

Thanks for your engagement.