Historical / Political/ Social
Context:
Most of the literature written here
was before the American Revolution. During this time, there were a plethora of
colonists coming from England to the New World for hope of a better life. They
begin this life with friendly contact at first and then turned violent once
greed became prevalent. Also, religion played a tremendous role in the
establishment of the New World. After colonists became well established trade
and commerce began to bloom. Well known scholars and philosophers began to
spread they’re ideals into the country. What was also brought in the country
during this time was slavery. It was essentially a mutual agreement between
Native Americans and Europeans, however Europeans broke those boundaries by
wanting more land and stealing Natives crops. Essentially, constant dispute and
disagreement led to the French and Indian War. Before the war officially
started, there were several works of literature written by Native Americans to
discuss the state of European and Native Americans relationships.
Quotes:
·
In the introduction of the subject, one quote
that stood out and essential summarized the passages were “The pattern of
friendly contact between Europeans and Indians followed by bloody conflict
would recur again and again until almost the turn of the twentieth century.”
·
In the latter of the passage, the concept is
reiterated when talking about the differences of the oratorical documents
stating that “familiar pattern of friendly contact followed by bitter conflict”
was common.
·
One of the first speeches the Norton highlights
come from the words of an Ottawa Indian, Pontiac. After an encounter with the
Great Spirit, these words were spoken to him “And as for these English, these
dogs dressed in red, who have come to rob you of your hunting grounds, and
drive away the game, you must lift the hatchet against them. Wipe them from the
face of the earth, and then you will win my favor back again, and once more be
happy and prosperous. “
My Analysis:
All of these texts are important
because the provide incite on the foundation of this country and the
development moving forward from Native Americans to Whites. Each author used a
serious and convincing tone to ensure that they were authentic and genuine in
their approaches. The same theme of friendly contact and then brutal conflict
is consistent throughout each document. It is clear to me that while although
native Americans were hospitable as can be, their deeds would be ultimately
unappreciative to the point were war was needed. It is unfortunate to know that
the English did not understand the concept of one good deed deserving another.
In each document, I believe the text is not only to serve as a call for the
author, but a call to all of the author’s people, Native Americans.
Essentially, each author understood the betrayal and deceit that took place and
wanted to seek revenge accordingly. For this manner, I feel that is something
to be celebratory of. These tribal heroes took matters in their own hands and
fought to get back what was there’s. Unfortunately, they were not wholly
successful but their valiant actions and words will forever be legacized.
Contemporary Ties:
·
Much of what is happening during this point of
time can be seen in closeness to what is happening now in America. On the day
to day, many of unarmed peaceful citizens are being executed. More particularly,
African Americans. Just as rightful as Native Americans, blacks are inhabitants
of this land; yet do not share the same resources as their counterparts. In
efforts to make that right, (segregation, civil rights, and even black lives
matters), many are being executed from excersing that right. Much like Native Americans
in trying to configure a system in which the Europeans can understand that they
are entitle to their property, the African American group has differently tried
in peace to show the same concept.
·
Also, in Africa many of Africans were taken from
their native lands and sold into slavery. The similarity with these documents
from Native Americans is that they too were friendly and then exposed of their
vulnerability and taken into captivity.
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