Counter Culture Figure
Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley was a counter culture figure of the 18th century for disregarding her race or gender and writing as well as getting published. Phillis Wheatley was not only an African Slave but she was also a women. It was very hard back in the 18th century to excel in a mans world but Phillis succeeded, she went against all of the odds. Even when her master, who was more of a family member to her, fell ill she took time out of everything to go be with her in her final hours. Phillis Wheatley also wrote some controversial pieces including a letter to the President of the United States, George Washington voicing concerns. Phillis also wrote a poem about being taken from Africa, and going to America. Being a slave as well as being a black woman made these topics she touched upon very controversial. Phillis was able to put someone other than herself in front of her dreams, she came back to see her master while she was dying not many people will put others in front of themselves like she did, and finally she overcame the fact that she was a black woman living in America and wrote poetry as well as got published, which are all major accomplishments.