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How do you feel that native americans were portrayed in the works of ben franklin and john smith do the authors treat them in a

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Published: December 12, 2021
Updated: December 12, 2021
Level: College Admission
Language: English
Downloads: 30

Works of Ben Franklin and John Smith Individuals or will come up with works, which is based on what they see and hear. While seeing and hearing about certain events or even people, the authors will put a certain perspective to them in their works. Likewise, eminent individuals as well as authors Ben Franklin and John Smith viewed the Native American people from certain perspective, which is reflected in their works. So, this paper will discuss how Native Americans were portrayed both favorably as well as negatively in their works by Ben Franklin and John Smith Ben Franklin’s early attitude towards Native Americans as well as on slavery was on the negative side. In the 1730s, Franklin in his newspaper, the Philadelphia Gazette, featured articles supporting slavery as well as advertisements for purchasing Native American slaves. However, at the same time, he started viewing Native Americans favorably on the same lines as the White Americans, degrading or belittling the Black Americans in some of his writings. In his 1751 essay, “ Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind,” Franklin wished that America could be for whites and Native Indians only, writing, “ Why increase the Sons of Africa, by Planting them in America, where we have so fair an opportunity, by excluding all Blacks and Tawnys, of increasing the lovely White” (). In addition, Franklin understood the culture of Native Americans and also lobbied to protect them, against any retribution by the majority population. He wrote, “ If an Indian injures me, does it follow that I may revenge that injury on all Indians? … If it be right to kill men for such a reason, then, should any man with a freckled face and red hair kill a wife or child of mine.” (). Capt. John Smith, an English soldier, explorer and author, was known for establishing the first English settlement in North America in Jamestown, Virginia. He chronicled that process in the form of Journals, which was published altogether in 1612. Major sections of those journals featured content about the Native Americans, their culture, way of living, etc. In those writings, he favorably viewed them and acted wisely with them. Understanding that Native Americans’ support is very crucial for establishing the settlement, Smith did not go on the offensive against them and instead tried establishing cordial relations with them. “ Realizing that the very existence of the colony depended on peace, he never thought of trying to exterminate the natives…In his writings, Smith reveals the attitudes behind his actions” (). At the same time, in the journal, The Generall Historie, Smith viewed some of the Native Americans particularly one Chief negatively. That is, he compared Chief Powhatan to a “ devil”, and even referred the Native Americans as “ barbarians”. However, on the whole, he had good relationship with them and wrote how they were kind-hearted and helped them, after the initial hiccups. “… they boldly demanded what we were, and what we would; but after many circumstances they seemed very kind….”

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