Final answer:
Frederick Douglass corrected the misconception that slaves' singing signified their happiness, asserting instead that their songs expressed deep sorrow and a yearning for freedom. This emotional expression through music was an integral aspect of slaves' lives and became central to African American culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The misconception that Frederick Douglass addressed was that people thought the singing of slaves was evidence of their contentment and happiness. Through his life experiences and observations, Douglass contended that the songs of slaves were actually a profound expression of their suffering and sorrow. The melodies and words, though they might seem joyous, were infused with a deep sense of anguish and a cry for freedom from the bonds of slavery. He often sang to drown his sorrow, rarely to express happiness. Douglass also highlighted how the slaves' songs were a means to convey their longing for liberation and provided him with a deeper understanding of the dehumanizing effects of slavery.
William Francis Allen's experiences during the Civil War further illustrate how the religious singing and ring shout traditions of the newly freed slaves were a critical part of their culture and emotional expression. Furthermore, the interpretation and use of hymns and psalms by slaves served as a medium for learning literacy and creating a unique African American musical culture that became foundational to other genres like the blues. These practices ran counter to the beliefs of some like Charles Colcock Jones who wanted to suppress the slaves' own musical expressions in favor of European hymns and psalms.