In “An Indians Looking-Glass for the White Man,” William Apess uses the education, language, and religion taught to him to question how the beliefs held by the Americans are supported by the bible. He accomplishes his argument by figuratively holding a mirror up so the white man can see his hypocrisy.
Apess begins his argument asking many questions such as “Now I ask if degradation has not been heaped long enough upon the Indians?” (154) Indians have been murdered, cheated, and used since the arrival of White Americans however they continue to profess of beliefs in Christianity. How can you be a racist, openly discriminating against races that differ from yours?
The first reflection is presented in a question, if God favors the White Man so …show more content…
The White Americans carried out this act of genocide thorough the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which was backed by former President Andrew Jackson. The Indian Removal act encouraged west ward expansion by forcibly removing the Indians west of the Mississippi with events like the trail of tears. Apess does not only reference the White Americans wrong doings toward his people to support his argument he also uses slavery, “And to cap the climax, rob another nation to till their grounds and welter out their days under the lash with hunger and fatigue under the scorching rays of the burning sun?” (156) Apess believes that no race has the right to control any other race; however in making this argument he is assuming that every race is …show more content…
Apess’ tone in the beginning and in the conclusion of his argument suggest that he cherishes the beliefs that the White Americans have taught him however he cannot be a part of the union a wishes them luck in their endeavors.
Do not get tired, ye noble hearted—only think of how many poor Indians want their wounds done up daily; the Lord will reward you, and pray you stop not til this tree of distinction shall be leveled to the earth, and the mantle of prejudice torn from every American heart—then shall peace pervade the Union. (159)
Apess seems to understand that by him declining the request of the White Americans it could cause trouble, so he lists people that he thinks would be more that wiling to advocate his cause, for example Webster, Everett, and Whit are among those names as well as his people that advocate their cause daily. It is unclear whether peace will be made among the races because another question presents itself, whose beliefs do they use, that of the white Americans or those of the
Apess begins his argument asking many questions such as “Now I ask if degradation has not been heaped long enough upon the Indians?” (154) Indians have been murdered, cheated, and used since the arrival of White Americans however they continue to profess of beliefs in Christianity. How can you be a racist, openly discriminating against races that differ from yours?
The first reflection is presented in a question, if God favors the White Man so …show more content…
The White Americans carried out this act of genocide thorough the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which was backed by former President Andrew Jackson. The Indian Removal act encouraged west ward expansion by forcibly removing the Indians west of the Mississippi with events like the trail of tears. Apess does not only reference the White Americans wrong doings toward his people to support his argument he also uses slavery, “And to cap the climax, rob another nation to till their grounds and welter out their days under the lash with hunger and fatigue under the scorching rays of the burning sun?” (156) Apess believes that no race has the right to control any other race; however in making this argument he is assuming that every race is …show more content…
Apess’ tone in the beginning and in the conclusion of his argument suggest that he cherishes the beliefs that the White Americans have taught him however he cannot be a part of the union a wishes them luck in their endeavors.
Do not get tired, ye noble hearted—only think of how many poor Indians want their wounds done up daily; the Lord will reward you, and pray you stop not til this tree of distinction shall be leveled to the earth, and the mantle of prejudice torn from every American heart—then shall peace pervade the Union. (159)
Apess seems to understand that by him declining the request of the White Americans it could cause trouble, so he lists people that he thinks would be more that wiling to advocate his cause, for example Webster, Everett, and Whit are among those names as well as his people that advocate their cause daily. It is unclear whether peace will be made among the races because another question presents itself, whose beliefs do they use, that of the white Americans or those of the