Today!

The issues raised in the book apply to our society today in that, although it's easy to look back at our nations' past and criticize how horrible slavery and racism was, we need to realize that racism is still prevalent. Although it takes on a different form than it did in the 19th century, it is still a relevant topic that needs reform.  Just because slavery is in our nation's past doesn't mean it's not relevant to today's society.  Also, it's easy to think of how horrible slavery is and question how mankind could ever commit such a terrible atrocity; however, we must be watchful to make sure that just as awful of things are going on without our even knowing about it.  Just look at the majority or white southerners in Douglass's narrative... they saw nothing wrong with what was being done to blacks and were oblivious to the pain and suffering that was going on. Learn from The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, constantly check to see if something in our society is not right and see how we can change it.