Harriet Tubman: 'I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.'

I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.

In this quote by Harriet Tubman, she reflects on her experience of crossing the line into freedom as a runaway slave. It encapsulates the bittersweet reality of attaining freedom but finding oneself alone in a foreign land. The straightforward interpretation is that while Tubman successfully escaped the clutches of slavery, she also faced the disheartening truth that there was no one there to embrace her as she entered the land of freedom.This quote carries significant meaning, highlighting both the triumph of liberation and the complexities that follow. On one hand, Tubman's crossing of the line represents her brave defiance of a system that sought to diminish her humanity. It symbolizes her resilience, courage, and determination to pursue a life free from the dehumanizing chains of bondage.However, her admission of being a stranger in a strange land emphasizes the difficulties that awaited her on the other side. Despite her newfound freedom, Tubman was confronted with the harsh reality of navigating an unknown world without the support and recognition she deserved. The quote poignantly underlines the challenges faced by many former slaves, who, after escaping slavery, found themselves isolated and alienated in a society that was still grappling with racial prejudices and discrimination.To delve deeper into Tubman's sentiment and introduce an unexpected philosophical concept, let us consider the notion of existentialism. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, explores the human condition and emphasizes the individual's responsibility for their own choices and actions.Inherent to the existentialist philosophy is the idea that individuals are "thrown" into existence without any predetermined purpose or meaning. Jean-Paul Sartre, a prominent existentialist philosopher, argued that individuals must actively create their own meaning and purpose in life. This concept resonates with Tubman's quote as she finds herself in a strange land, devoid of the familiar structures and support systems she had previously known. Like the existentialist, she finds herself in a position where she must shape her own destiny and purpose.Furthermore, the existentialist notion of authenticity echos Tubman's struggle. Authenticity, in the existentialist sense, refers to living in alignment with one's true self, values, and beliefs. Tubman's remark implies a discrepancy between her freedom and her perceived lack of recognition. She may have faced a society that did not acknowledge her worth or her struggle, but that did not diminish her inherent value as a human being. Thus, Tubman's journey can be seen as a battle for authenticity: to be recognized and accepted as she truly was, even in a strange land.In this unexpected philosophical comparison, we can draw parallels between Tubman's experience and the core principles of existentialism. Both emphasize the struggle to find meaning and authenticity in a world that may seem indifferent or hostile. Harriet Tubman serves as a powerful example of individual agency and resilience, actively shaping her destiny and seeking recognition in a society that often failed to provide it.In conclusion, Harriet Tubman's quote captures the complex mix of triumph and hardship that accompanies her escape to freedom. It speaks to the dichotomy of achieving liberation while grappling with a sense of unfamiliarity and isolation. By introducing the concept of existentialism, we can further understand Tubman's experience from a philosophical perspective, highlighting her struggle to find meaning and authenticity in a world that fails to recognize her worth. Tubman's story serves as a timeless reminder of the resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit of those who forge their own path, even when faced with the challenges of being a stranger in a strange land.