Chief Of An Indian Tribe example essay topic

592 words
This text is a proof how can be two cultures different from each other. It also shows us the subjunctive view of Europeans / Americans on Indian culture. And as well the way the Indians treat European / American customs and manners. Here the word 'savages' is used for Indians. It is read that the settlers from beyond the sea called them that way because of their rules of common civility, religion, laws and culture.

Of course the whole Indian lifestyle seemed weird for Americans, just as their own seemed not less weird for Indians. This text provides some stories that should show us Indians, 'who were so rude, as to be without any rules of politeness; nor so polite, as not to have some remains of rudeness'. The first thing that is discussed in the text is an education. The whole concept of education the Indians were used to differs greatly from that one Americans had. All the courses American youth had taken in colleges seemed good for nothing for Indians. It is tolled that once a few Indian lads experienced being to college and were instructed all the sciences Americans used to learn.

But when they came back to their village, they appeared to be bad runners, ignorant of every means of living in the woods, knew neither how to build a cabin, nor how to hunt a deer, they spoke their language imperfectly, were not good enough to become a counselors etc. So, in this case the matter is in different common and mental values of the society. Secondly, it is said that Indians had no writing. That is why they were great speakers. They studied oratory and the best speaker had the most influence.

Having frequent occasions to hold public councils, they had acquired great order in conducting them. Women, exept dressing food, nurse and bring up the children, running household etc, imprinted in their memory every important event and communicate it to their children. That was the way of preserving information and traditions in Indian tribes. Of course the religion is also not omitted here.

That is the most important part of any culture. Christians tried to reveal their belief among Indians, but it was no good, it seems. Their beliefs were also strong and that is natural. Once Swedish Minister made a great speech on a short history of Christianity. Afterwards the Chief of an Indian tribe shared some main aspects of their own religion. The good missionary was disgusted with these idle tales.

Than the Chief said that American education is good for nothing if they haven't learned the rules of common civility. Some stories from this text show us the hospitality & politeness of Indians. Moreover, their one can read the words of an Indian, who said:' If a man enters one of our cabin we dry him if he is wet, we warm him if he is cold, we allay his hunger and thirst; we demand nothing in return. And if I enter any home in Albany and ask for food or drink, they won't give me anything without money in return'. So, I would rather say that this text just refute the its headline. It just shows us how two different cultures work, while existing one near each other; have not got a chance to avoid the influence of other society.