Discuss two different examples of the abuses of female slaves in Douglass's Narrative.
~Jazmin Kittleson
One type of abuse inflicted upon female slaves quite often would have to be the whip. Women are hung up on a hook by a rope entangled around there hands while standing tip toe on top of a stool. While in this position they are whipped by their masters, the louder the female slave scream and holler, the harder their masters whip them. These female slaves who are whipped are those who do not show up for their duties on time, and those who leave their sleeping accommodations at night and these are only two of the acts which the masters take as disobedience and lash out their whips. The masters whip the female slaves until their bodies are drenched in blood; they whip where the open wounds are the most and up by the head. Another form of abuse inflicted upon the women slaves is lack of food. Each month the slaves are only given a certain amount of food and clothing to last them until the next month, and if a slave is caught doing and of the above actions she can also be sentenced to starvation and have no food for long periods of time. These two types of abuse are inflicted upon both male and female slaves, but males are more likely to be starved and women are more likely to be whipped.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Anna L., Matt L., Maria
What does Douglass read and what does he learn from his reading?
Our group decided that when Douglas read “The Columbian Orator” it was a meaningful and important message that ultimately changed and saved his life. First, the book was a way to help Douglas read and write. Then, from reading this book he learned exactly what slavery was, and how wrong it was. Douglas learned exactly what he was used for and why. Douglas was able to relate to someone else who experienced the same things he went through, and had a connection through this reading. As he read the story about how one slave was able to stand up for himself against his master and eventually free himself, Douglas was able to see this is something he should be able to do as well. In the story, the slave had been caught running away for the third time and after talking to his master and proving that what he believes about slavery is right, he is eventually set free. The slave in the story gave advice to Douglas without even knowing it. The story gave more credit to the slave than the master which is important for Douglas to learn because it makes him feel more relevant. From reading this book Douglas was able to apply what he learned and read to his own life. For example, in Douglas’s real life he was able to learn what others were saying, what they talked about and how it applied to him. He started to understand words such as abolitionist, which means slavery, and pertain it to his own life. When Douglas reads this story it made him realize how important his life is and how he should take a stand for what he believes in and try to fight and free himself. In a way it gives him hope and gives him the chance and opportunity to set himself free just from reading and relating to another person’s story.
Our group decided that when Douglas read “The Columbian Orator” it was a meaningful and important message that ultimately changed and saved his life. First, the book was a way to help Douglas read and write. Then, from reading this book he learned exactly what slavery was, and how wrong it was. Douglas learned exactly what he was used for and why. Douglas was able to relate to someone else who experienced the same things he went through, and had a connection through this reading. As he read the story about how one slave was able to stand up for himself against his master and eventually free himself, Douglas was able to see this is something he should be able to do as well. In the story, the slave had been caught running away for the third time and after talking to his master and proving that what he believes about slavery is right, he is eventually set free. The slave in the story gave advice to Douglas without even knowing it. The story gave more credit to the slave than the master which is important for Douglas to learn because it makes him feel more relevant. From reading this book Douglas was able to apply what he learned and read to his own life. For example, in Douglas’s real life he was able to learn what others were saying, what they talked about and how it applied to him. He started to understand words such as abolitionist, which means slavery, and pertain it to his own life. When Douglas reads this story it made him realize how important his life is and how he should take a stand for what he believes in and try to fight and free himself. In a way it gives him hope and gives him the chance and opportunity to set himself free just from reading and relating to another person’s story.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Assignment 13.5 - Jonathan & Jennifer
What does Douglass learn from Sophia Auld and Her Husband?
Mr. and Mrs. Auld Gave Frederick Douglas more than they would ever know, they gave him his, “pathway from slavery to freedom.”(Douglas, Ch. 6 pg. 945) Mrs. Auld began to teach Frederick Douglas his ABC’s and by doing so she opened a door in his brain that resulted in his endless search for knowledge. Frederick Douglas was naturally a genius because despite his terrible upbringing, his desire for knowledge seems to have been nothing short of unquenchable. What Mr. Auld gave Frederick Douglas may have been even more precious; he taught him about the power of knowledge. When Mr. Auld caught Mrs. Auld teaching Frederick Douglas how to read he instantly put a stop to it because as he said, “if you teach that n----r how to read there would be no keeping him, it would forever unfit him to be a slave. He would at once become unmanageable, and of no value to his master.” (Douglas Ch. 6 pg. 945) When Mr. Auld said this statement it was an important moment in Frederick Douglas’ life, he now understood that if he could learn to read and write he could find a way to gain his freedom from his masters. Frederick Douglas acted on this revelation by taking every opportunity he could to improve his reading and writing. There is even an instance where Frederick Douglas would give bread to unfortunate white children in exchange for them teaching him letters or as he called it, “the bread of knowledge.” He would also commonly borrow his master’s son’s copy-book to practice writing in the extra spaces. Frederick Douglas was a very gifted person who was given an extraordinary opportunity to expand his knowledge at a time when the people of his race were forbidden by law to have any.
Frederick Douglass learned some important things from Hugh and Sophia Auld. He learned that not all white people were cruel to African Americans. He was warmly welcomed into the Auld’s home and right away formed a bond with his new mistress. She had been removed from the “blighting and dehumanizing” effects of slavery and Douglass was “truly astonished” by her goodness. “She was entirely unlike any other white woman I had ever seen.” pp. 945
Out of Sophia’s kindness, she started teaching Douglass to read. Hugh forbid his wife to continue the teaching. He explained that teaching a slave to read “could do him no good”. “It would make him discontented and unhappy.” After hearing this conversation, Douglass states, “These words sank deep into my heart, stirred up sentiments within that lay slumbering and called into existence an entirely new train of thought.” “Whilst I was saddened by the thought of losing the aid of my kind mistress, I was gladdened by the invaluable instruction which, by the merest accident, I had gained from my master.” pp. 945 “In learning to read, I owe almost as much to the bitter opposition of my master as to the kindly aid of my mistress. I acknowledge the benefit of both.” pp. 946 Douglass discovered that learning to read was the path out of slavery.
Mr. and Mrs. Auld Gave Frederick Douglas more than they would ever know, they gave him his, “pathway from slavery to freedom.”(Douglas, Ch. 6 pg. 945) Mrs. Auld began to teach Frederick Douglas his ABC’s and by doing so she opened a door in his brain that resulted in his endless search for knowledge. Frederick Douglas was naturally a genius because despite his terrible upbringing, his desire for knowledge seems to have been nothing short of unquenchable. What Mr. Auld gave Frederick Douglas may have been even more precious; he taught him about the power of knowledge. When Mr. Auld caught Mrs. Auld teaching Frederick Douglas how to read he instantly put a stop to it because as he said, “if you teach that n----r how to read there would be no keeping him, it would forever unfit him to be a slave. He would at once become unmanageable, and of no value to his master.” (Douglas Ch. 6 pg. 945) When Mr. Auld said this statement it was an important moment in Frederick Douglas’ life, he now understood that if he could learn to read and write he could find a way to gain his freedom from his masters. Frederick Douglas acted on this revelation by taking every opportunity he could to improve his reading and writing. There is even an instance where Frederick Douglas would give bread to unfortunate white children in exchange for them teaching him letters or as he called it, “the bread of knowledge.” He would also commonly borrow his master’s son’s copy-book to practice writing in the extra spaces. Frederick Douglas was a very gifted person who was given an extraordinary opportunity to expand his knowledge at a time when the people of his race were forbidden by law to have any.
Frederick Douglass learned some important things from Hugh and Sophia Auld. He learned that not all white people were cruel to African Americans. He was warmly welcomed into the Auld’s home and right away formed a bond with his new mistress. She had been removed from the “blighting and dehumanizing” effects of slavery and Douglass was “truly astonished” by her goodness. “She was entirely unlike any other white woman I had ever seen.” pp. 945
Out of Sophia’s kindness, she started teaching Douglass to read. Hugh forbid his wife to continue the teaching. He explained that teaching a slave to read “could do him no good”. “It would make him discontented and unhappy.” After hearing this conversation, Douglass states, “These words sank deep into my heart, stirred up sentiments within that lay slumbering and called into existence an entirely new train of thought.” “Whilst I was saddened by the thought of losing the aid of my kind mistress, I was gladdened by the invaluable instruction which, by the merest accident, I had gained from my master.” pp. 945 “In learning to read, I owe almost as much to the bitter opposition of my master as to the kindly aid of my mistress. I acknowledge the benefit of both.” pp. 946 Douglass discovered that learning to read was the path out of slavery.
Assignment 13.5 Connor and Hiroe
Explain why the incident with Aunt Hester so impacted young Douglass.
Young Douglass was not aware of his status as a slave until he witnessed the cruel beating of his aunt Hester; “It was all new to me.” (934). He gives a detailed description of the incident; “Before he commenced whipping Aunt Hester, he took her into the kitchen, and stripped her from neck to waist, leaving her neck, shoulders, and back, entirely naked,” and, “he commenced to lay on the heavy cowskin, and soon the warm, red blood (amid heart-rending shrieks from her, and horrid oaths from him) came dripping to the floor.” (934). It means the horrific scene was vividly retained in his memory. Then Douglass might have identified himself with his aunt and despaired of his future; “I expected it would be my turn next.” (934). Young children are easily traumatized by events that are out of their control; they are much more vulnerable than adults. Therefore, the bloody violence must have been a tremendous shock to young Douglass, who went on to hide in a closet in fear. The effect of the whipping on Douglass is further shown when he goes on to write that after he hid in the closet he, “dared not venture out till long after the bloody transaction was over.” (934). Throughout this ordeal he often mentions the word blood. The graphic nature of the incident hits him hard, this probably being the first time he’s seen so much blood. The gut-wrenching sight of his aunt being whipped was his first experience with the violent side of slavery. Douglass writes that, “I had always lived with my grandmother on the outskirts of the plantation, where she was put to raise the children of the younger women.” (934). The reason this had such a major impact on him was because he had never experienced anything like it. It was his personal introduction or initiation to the horrors of slavery.
Young Douglass was not aware of his status as a slave until he witnessed the cruel beating of his aunt Hester; “It was all new to me.” (934). He gives a detailed description of the incident; “Before he commenced whipping Aunt Hester, he took her into the kitchen, and stripped her from neck to waist, leaving her neck, shoulders, and back, entirely naked,” and, “he commenced to lay on the heavy cowskin, and soon the warm, red blood (amid heart-rending shrieks from her, and horrid oaths from him) came dripping to the floor.” (934). It means the horrific scene was vividly retained in his memory. Then Douglass might have identified himself with his aunt and despaired of his future; “I expected it would be my turn next.” (934). Young children are easily traumatized by events that are out of their control; they are much more vulnerable than adults. Therefore, the bloody violence must have been a tremendous shock to young Douglass, who went on to hide in a closet in fear. The effect of the whipping on Douglass is further shown when he goes on to write that after he hid in the closet he, “dared not venture out till long after the bloody transaction was over.” (934). Throughout this ordeal he often mentions the word blood. The graphic nature of the incident hits him hard, this probably being the first time he’s seen so much blood. The gut-wrenching sight of his aunt being whipped was his first experience with the violent side of slavery. Douglass writes that, “I had always lived with my grandmother on the outskirts of the plantation, where she was put to raise the children of the younger women.” (934). The reason this had such a major impact on him was because he had never experienced anything like it. It was his personal introduction or initiation to the horrors of slavery.
Friday, April 16, 2010
13.5 Liesette & Beth
Compare Gore and Severe as overseers.
Gore and Severe were both very cruel overseers. They would beat and kill slaves and not think twice about it. Severe was more vocal than Gore was though. He would use profanities and get pleasure out of beating the slaves. Gore was a man of few words, which is probably why he was feared more than Severe because they never knew what he was feeling or what he was going to do next. Severe came off as being more of a loudmouth. A "look at me" type man where Gore was very stern and more of a "military" man. I say this because in Chapter Two, the book says, "I have seen him whip a woman, causing the blood to run half an hour at a time; and this,too, in the midst of her crying children, pleading for their mother's release. he seemed to take pleasure in manifesting his fiendish barbarity."(P.935) Severe likes to make a scene. In Chapter Four, the book talks about Gore and a slave named Demby. Demby ran into the creek to cool himself after a whipping. The book says the following about Gore's response to Demby being in the water, "Mr. Gore told him (Demby) that he would give him three calls, and that, if he did not come out at the third call, he would shoot him. The fist call was given. Demby made no response. The second and third calls were given with the same result. Mr. Gore then, without consultation or deliberation with anyone, not even giving Demby as additional call, raised his musket to his face, taking deadly aim at his standing victim, and in an instant poor Demby was no more."(P.941) Mr. Gore told Demby what he was going to do and he did it without any sign of emotion. Both Gore and Severe were considered good overseers because of this type of cruel behavior. Both had the ability to torture and kill another person and not have any feelings of regret.
Gore and Severe were both very cruel overseers. They would beat and kill slaves and not think twice about it. Severe was more vocal than Gore was though. He would use profanities and get pleasure out of beating the slaves. Gore was a man of few words, which is probably why he was feared more than Severe because they never knew what he was feeling or what he was going to do next. Severe came off as being more of a loudmouth. A "look at me" type man where Gore was very stern and more of a "military" man. I say this because in Chapter Two, the book says, "I have seen him whip a woman, causing the blood to run half an hour at a time; and this,too, in the midst of her crying children, pleading for their mother's release. he seemed to take pleasure in manifesting his fiendish barbarity."(P.935) Severe likes to make a scene. In Chapter Four, the book talks about Gore and a slave named Demby. Demby ran into the creek to cool himself after a whipping. The book says the following about Gore's response to Demby being in the water, "Mr. Gore told him (Demby) that he would give him three calls, and that, if he did not come out at the third call, he would shoot him. The fist call was given. Demby made no response. The second and third calls were given with the same result. Mr. Gore then, without consultation or deliberation with anyone, not even giving Demby as additional call, raised his musket to his face, taking deadly aim at his standing victim, and in an instant poor Demby was no more."(P.941) Mr. Gore told Demby what he was going to do and he did it without any sign of emotion. Both Gore and Severe were considered good overseers because of this type of cruel behavior. Both had the ability to torture and kill another person and not have any feelings of regret.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
What impresses William Lloyd Garrison about Frederick Douglas? By: Jason and Jared
According to the Preface, what impresses William Lloyd Garrison about Frederick Douglas?
Garrison was impressed by Douglas' speech-making qualities against slavery and how he could arouse the crowd.Garrison also thought that Douglas was intelligent."Fortunate for the multitudes in various parts of our republic whose minds he has enlightened on the subject of slavery, and who have melted to tears by his pathos, or roused to virtuous indignation by his stirring eloquence against the enslavers of men." (P. 924) "There stood one, in physical proportion and stature commanding and exact--in intellect richly endowed--in natural eloquence a prodigy." (P. 924) He also thought Douglas was a very moral person. He is "....capable of high attainments as an intellectual and moral being." (P. 925) He considers Douglas a gentle and meek man. "As a public speaker, he excels in pathos, wit, comparison, imitation, strength of reasoning and fluency of language." (P. 926) "He has born himself with a gentleness and meekness, yet with true manliness of character." (P. 926) Garrison is impressed that Douglas writes his own speeches. "Mr Douglas has very properly chosen to write his own narrative, in his own styles and according to the best of his ability, rather than to employ someone else." (P. 926) Garrison admires Douglas because he escaped from his slave-owner, even though Douglas knew he would be severely punished or even killed if he was caught and the fact that Douglas is willing to make speeches in public against slavery even with the threat of getting sent back to his slave-owner. Douglas even gave where he was born, those who owned him, and those who committed crimes against him to show what happened to him was true. "Mr. Douglas has frankly disclosed the place of his birth, the names of those who claimed ownership of his body and soul, and the names of those who committed crimes which he has alleged against them. His statements, therefore, may easily be disproved, if they are untrue." (P. 928) You can tell that Garrison respects Douglas by always referring to him as "Mr. Douglas".
Garrison was impressed by Douglas' speech-making qualities against slavery and how he could arouse the crowd.Garrison also thought that Douglas was intelligent."Fortunate for the multitudes in various parts of our republic whose minds he has enlightened on the subject of slavery, and who have melted to tears by his pathos, or roused to virtuous indignation by his stirring eloquence against the enslavers of men." (P. 924) "There stood one, in physical proportion and stature commanding and exact--in intellect richly endowed--in natural eloquence a prodigy." (P. 924) He also thought Douglas was a very moral person. He is "....capable of high attainments as an intellectual and moral being." (P. 925) He considers Douglas a gentle and meek man. "As a public speaker, he excels in pathos, wit, comparison, imitation, strength of reasoning and fluency of language." (P. 926) "He has born himself with a gentleness and meekness, yet with true manliness of character." (P. 926) Garrison is impressed that Douglas writes his own speeches. "Mr Douglas has very properly chosen to write his own narrative, in his own styles and according to the best of his ability, rather than to employ someone else." (P. 926) Garrison admires Douglas because he escaped from his slave-owner, even though Douglas knew he would be severely punished or even killed if he was caught and the fact that Douglas is willing to make speeches in public against slavery even with the threat of getting sent back to his slave-owner. Douglas even gave where he was born, those who owned him, and those who committed crimes against him to show what happened to him was true. "Mr. Douglas has frankly disclosed the place of his birth, the names of those who claimed ownership of his body and soul, and the names of those who committed crimes which he has alleged against them. His statements, therefore, may easily be disproved, if they are untrue." (P. 928) You can tell that Garrison respects Douglas by always referring to him as "Mr. Douglas".
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Who were Douglass's parents? Why is this significant question?
Amy B and Matt T.
Who were Douglass’s parents? Why is this significant question?
Douglas’s mother was a colored slave and his father was a white slave owner. His father was most likely his mother’s master. Douglas’s mother was a field hand and lived twelve miles away. Douglass was separated from his mother when he was an infant.
This is a significant question due to Douglas was half black and half white he was in the middle of two worlds. He was lighter than the other children and was treated somewhat different. “Their backs had been made familiar with the bloody lash, so that they had become callous; mine was yet tender.”(951 ) Douglas having a slave mother and slave owner for a father sets the tone for his thoughts of slavery for his entire life. He also witness some brutal whippings performed by his masters when he was very young. When he witnesses these events like his Aunt Hester being whipped, it seemed to just keep intensify his initial hatred towards the cruelty of slavery. I thought it was interesting when he said “slaveholders have ordained, and by law established, that the children of slave women shall in all cases follow the condition of their mother” (pg 932). Even if his father/master wanted to keep him as a son and not a slave, he couldn’t by law with other owners.
His mother must have been a motivated woman because, after she was hired by another owner, she walked twelve miles to Douglass’s home and twelve miles back one night in order to see him. Douglass seemed to be a motivated young man set forth by example of his mother as well with age may have taught him that you can accomplish goals but you might have to put in the extra effort.
Later on in his childhood, Mrs. Auld started teaching him to read and Mr. Auld said “it was unlawful, as well as unsafe to teach a slave to read…if you give a n—r an inch, he will take an ell.”(pg 947). This being told he wasn’t allowed to learn to read, but this made Douglass want to work even harder and put in the extra effort to learned how to read on his own. I think having a hard working and motivated mother probably contributed to accomplishments like this.
Who were Douglass’s parents? Why is this significant question?
Douglas’s mother was a colored slave and his father was a white slave owner. His father was most likely his mother’s master. Douglas’s mother was a field hand and lived twelve miles away. Douglass was separated from his mother when he was an infant.
This is a significant question due to Douglas was half black and half white he was in the middle of two worlds. He was lighter than the other children and was treated somewhat different. “Their backs had been made familiar with the bloody lash, so that they had become callous; mine was yet tender.”(951 ) Douglas having a slave mother and slave owner for a father sets the tone for his thoughts of slavery for his entire life. He also witness some brutal whippings performed by his masters when he was very young. When he witnesses these events like his Aunt Hester being whipped, it seemed to just keep intensify his initial hatred towards the cruelty of slavery. I thought it was interesting when he said “slaveholders have ordained, and by law established, that the children of slave women shall in all cases follow the condition of their mother” (pg 932). Even if his father/master wanted to keep him as a son and not a slave, he couldn’t by law with other owners.
His mother must have been a motivated woman because, after she was hired by another owner, she walked twelve miles to Douglass’s home and twelve miles back one night in order to see him. Douglass seemed to be a motivated young man set forth by example of his mother as well with age may have taught him that you can accomplish goals but you might have to put in the extra effort.
Later on in his childhood, Mrs. Auld started teaching him to read and Mr. Auld said “it was unlawful, as well as unsafe to teach a slave to read…if you give a n—r an inch, he will take an ell.”(pg 947). This being told he wasn’t allowed to learn to read, but this made Douglass want to work even harder and put in the extra effort to learned how to read on his own. I think having a hard working and motivated mother probably contributed to accomplishments like this.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Emerson's "Self-Reliance"
This picture is called Sacred Mirrors and it was painted by a transcendentalist painter by the name of Alex Grey. To me, it demonstrates Emerson’s belief that man is the center of things by displaying the man in the center and as the main focus of the photo. It shows a light shining behind the man like the light or power is coming from within him. It shows the inside of the body and emphasizes how the man’s body is made and that he is part of nature.
“Insist on yourself: never imitate. Your own gift you can present every moment with the cumulative force o a whole life’s cultivation; but of the adopted talent of another, you have only an extemporaneous, half possession. That which each can do best, none but his Maker can teach him No man yet knows what it is, nor can, till that person has exhibited it.” From Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Self-Reliance pp. 547
This picture represents many aspects of transcendentalism. The individual person in the picture emphasizes an individual’s power and reliance on oneself. In the picture, the man has his hand outstretched like he is reaching out for something. This symbolizes that reaching out can help an individual achieve their goals and desires. The background, behind the man symbolized his spirit and strength within himself.
"Self-Resistance"
jpg - www.cafam.org/.../WinterSolstice-725357.jpg
A quote chosen from Emerson’s “Self-Reliance on Page 548 at the beginning of the second paragraph he goes on to explain how the civilized man has built a coach in how we have all these materialistic things, beautiful things, and things need for life that we take for granted most of the time. “The solstice he does not observe; the equinox he knows as little; and the whole bright calendar of the year is without a dial in his mind.” The simplest things in life are taken for granted and things that should be seen and observed have now started to gone undone. This relates back to Transcendentalism in a way of idealism, we have these ideal images and concepts of our lives that are not always true. We need to express our ideas use our resources and open our eyes to the world around us. We are humans and we need to start taking advantage of what is around us we need to achieve goals, tasks, and topics in life. There is a spiritual rebellion out there that we need to grasp and take control of, this picture of the solstice is a part of inner spirituality. Something that does not come around often and should be grasped when it does come around, and take a different look and aspect of the world around us. We need to comprehend out desires and spiritual truths launch our ideas and use our resources.
Thoreau Quote
"Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it.
I think this picture titled "The Ship of Fools" is a good picture for this Thoreau Quote, because it shows all the fools together following each other. I believe that this quote is talking about the government and how they are all fools that follow each other. This quote relates to transcendentalism because it is a more liberal quote and is making fun of the closed minded way the government thinks. It is saying that as long as there are fools that will follow different laws than the fools will keep making new laws. This picture is a imagine of man kind traveling on a small ship that they are barely fitting on that represents humanity. Each character in the picture are fools, and being on the same boat they support each other. I think this is how Thoreau thinks about the government and as long as they are on the same boat there will be no advancements in our country. This quote is definitely something that represents transcendentalism in a nut shell, because it is saying that a fool doesn't follow a liberal outlook on life.
"Resistance to Civil Government"
This picture is regarding a rally being held in April, 2010 sponsored by FreedomWorks, to protest big government and support lower taxes, less government and more freedom. The picture represents the principle of putting ideas into acton by resistance and protest, which is a Transcendentalist principle. During this period of writing, there was a spirit of rebellion. Thoreau shows this in his 'Civil Disobedience'. He starts off with "I heartly accept the motto,--that government is best which governs least, and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically carried out." Thoreau even mentions the Revolution of '75 (1775) on Page 831 of his writing. Thoreau probably never dreamed we would be reading his article and discussing it regarding the size of the government in 2010, 161 years after he published it. This picture shows that people are still protesting being taxed too much, only now it isn't Great Britian that we have to deal with but our own country. I wonder what Thoreau would have said if he were here today and saw how many trillion dollars our government is in debt and how much taxes people have to pay. I think he would be absolutely shocked. Like him, I don't mind paying taxes on education or highways. However, I think the government spends too much money and attaches too many extras to get a bill passed. If you check over the new health care bill just passed, you probably will find a lot of extra costs attached to it that don't have anything to do with health care. The protest rally advertised will probably appear on the news the day it happens but after that you probably won't hear another word about it. However, Thoreau believed each individual should have a voice and should use that voice. You should not just sit back and accept everything the government dishes out. That's the reason Thoreau went to jail for a day. He believed in his principles and refused to pay the poll-tax that was due. "I have paid no poll-tax for six years. I was put into a jail once on this account." (P. 838) In the Transcendentalism period of writing there was a spirit of rebellion and this picture shows that principle.Jason Richert
Maria McDonough
"To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart, is true for all men-that is genius" (Emerson 533). I chose this picture to go along with this quote because I believe it shows a person who believes in themselves. I think this quote is saying that you need to believe in what you say and what you do, in order for others to believe in you. This picture captures a person who believes in what they do and embraces it. This falls under the concept of Transcendentalism because in a way it shows how ideas can be turned into action. If you believe in an idea enough, you can turn it into an action by following your heart and taking action to put that idea in place. For example, if you believe that you will do well on a test and you continue to tell yourself that and you study for weeks and weeks, you will do well on the test. This is true for all people as well because it shows that if you put your heart into something enough, it will pay off in the end.
Rejected Thoughts
From: Self-Reliance, Ralph Waldo Emerson"In every work of genius we recognize our own rejected thoughts: they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty." The picture I chose represents the rejected thoughts, or discarded ideas that Emerson is talking about in this work. Self-Reliance is about exactly what the title states. It stresses the importance of being your own leader, championing your own ideas, and acting upon things for yourself. Each crumpled piece of paper represents a thought or idea that we have had and not acted upon that we then find to be the brilliant "work of genius" of some other person. Emerson then talks about how we then must shamefully take the opinion from this other person; even if it was something we'd believed all along. I thought this quote embodied a lot of what transcendentalism is about. Throughout all of Self-Reliance, there is a stress on the individual, and moreover, the power of the individual: what each of us can accomplish on our own, and why we shouldn't wait to be followers. This quote in particular stood out to me as an easy way to relate transcendentalism into anyone's daily life. I'm sure we've all experienced the feeling, "I thought of that first!", and can then somewhat relate to what the quote is talking about. Transcendentalism was also about turning ideas into actions. I think the quote I chose does a beautiful job of making that point, and stressing its importance. So don't throw away those good ideas, act on them, and the work of genius can be your own!
"Self Reliance" Matt Lovejoy
http://www.twitalizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/stand-out-resized.jpg"Insist on yourself; never imitate...Every great man is an unique."
I believe that this picture is a great example to Emerson’s quote “insist on yourself; never imitate…Every great man is an unique” (page 547). The yellow man is unique in his own way and chose to be different from the others who are imitating each other. The person stands out not just to others but also to himself. There are not too many stand outs like this yellow man because of the amount of people out there that are afraid of being themselves because they want to be like everyone else. Many people are not true to themselves by doing things to be just like other people just to fit in. When you do things that don’t reflect the real you, you will not be happy with yourself and will end up finding yourself confused. The photo represents someone that has the courage to accept himself as who he really is, not who someone else thinks he should be. A person’s individuality and uniqueness will show much more and affect that person in positive ways when they are true to themselves. In this photo the yellow man is the first person viewers direct their attention towards, which corresponds to a person who is unique and not like everyone else. This quote represents Transcendentalism mostly in the way that the quote has much to do with an individual’s power and self trust. Also, a unique man has the desire to turn his ideas into action. A person must endure in these Transcendentalist thoughts in order to be characterized as following this quote.
Thoreau's "Resistance to Civil Government"
http://posneg.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/ghandi-inembassady.jpg"If a thousand men were not to pay their tax-bills this year, that would not be a violent and bloody measure, as it would be to pay them, and enable the State to commit violence and shed innocent blood. This is, in fact, the definition of a peaceable revolution, if any such is possible." (Pg. 837)
Mohandas Ghandi was influenced by Henry David Thoreau's writing and used non-violent civil disobedience to start a revolution in India. The quote by Thoreau is about how it is possible to have a peaceful revolution which is what Ghandi was a part of in India. Ghandi used peaceful resistance against the British in order to achieve his goal of freedom and self-government. As part of the resistance against the British Ghandi asked the people of India to boycott British products and anything that involved the British government including jobs. Thoreau mentions a similar idea in the quote when he says that a thousand men could decide to not pay their taxes as a way of peaceful resistance against the government. Both focus on boycotting the government in non-violent ways to try to change how the government is run. That is how the picture of Mohandas Ghandi demonstrates the quote from Thoreau's "Resistance to Civil Government". The quote is an example of Transcendentalist thought because it involves social reform and the power each individual has to have a say in how our government is run. A part of Transcendentalism is the desire to turn ideas into action. In the quote Thoreau is saying that one thing people can do to take action and protest something is by not paying their taxes. This forces the government to decide whether they want to change their policies and laws or jail thousands of people because they didn't pay their taxes. He goes on to say that by choosing to not take action for something they believe in people will continue to support something they are against.
Emerson's "Self-Reliance"
"How is a boy the master of society; independent, irresponsible, looking out from his corner on such people and facts as pass by, he tries and sentence them on their god merits, in the swift summary way of boys, as good, bad, interesting, silly, eloquent, troublesome."(534 Norton) This is a image of a boy asking to boy a toy for his grandfather. First the boy is dress like a older gentleman which is not the norm. He is also holding which looks like a brief case has glasses and a top hat. He is also in a toy store and is not playing with any toys and doesn't look interested in playing with them. A Twelve-year -old boy is as listed above Irresponsible, troublesome and silly in this picture he represents none of these qualities. It is the opposite he is educated, not distracted, able to state what he wants and is very conscious of what is grandfather would like. The briefcase represents intellect and knowledge. His top hat gives him the man look to him that he is not a child, but a young man that is able to ask and get what he wants. The glasses also give him the intellect look which makes you believe he is well beyond his years. This is not the norm a child would have on a t-shirt and pant especially a child f this age would be running around the store touching every toy and wanting every toy that interest him. This picture is perfect in that it defines what non -conformist is.
Self-Reliance, Jared Borowicz
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance
"it is easy in solitude to live after our own: but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude" (Pg 536)
The picture above is of a group of crystal balls. I feel that this picture best portrays Emerson's quote I have chosen from "Self-Reliance". His quote speaks of his definition of a great man... "is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude" (Pg 536). As you can see the crystal ball that stands out the most is in the middle of the crowd. The ball is gleaming, full of beauty, sweetness, and independence. The surrounding crystal balls are those of the general population that are refereed to as "followers". Emerson describes those that follow others thoughts and actions rather then having their own set of thoughts and actions, he says that "imitation is suicide" (pg. 533). The different shades on the objects can account for Emerson's quote. The darker, more shaded objects are those that are filed with the falls hopes of the government. The majestic crystal ball can be best describe as a pure individual that would go to prison for what he speaks to be his mind. Transcendentalists believed in the same mentality. From our lecture on Transcendentalism, they were said to put emphasis on individual power, Eastern thought, and they were know for the integration of spiritual and material worlds. The quote that I have posed in this blog, has put much emphasis on the people for their right to obtain individual power.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Self-Relience, Matt Theisen
www.galileoscientific.com/images/galileo.jpg
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance
“To be great is to be misunderstood” (pg 538)
This is a picture of a man using a device to look at the stars. I think this picture fits my quote “To be great is to be misunderstood” (pg 358) because many great and brialiant people made discoveries that at the time were considered impossible and absurd. One of them was Galileo. He discovered that the earth rotated around the sun which wasn’t believed at the time because the bible said the earth could not be moved. The church had misinterpreted the bible and intrepreted the bible as the earth was stationary. Galileo stuck behind his findings and it landed him in jail. This quote applies to many other people, especially people that made findings hundreds or thousands of years ago. Findings that weren’t believed to be true. In Emerson’s “Self-Reliance” he lists off some great people that were misunderstood throughout history. He said “Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh” (pg 538). I think this quote explains a transidentalist principle because these people expressed their opinions on the findings and stood behind their beliefs that they were correct. They stood behind their opinion and took the consiquences of jail, torture and even death. After many years when other people could physically prove their theories and beliefs, they were proven correct. I respect this type of great person that will stand behind his theories when they know their right. When it came down to going through the punishments they knew they were going to receive, most people would cave in and change their opinion.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Ralph Waldo Emerson "Self-Reliance"
(mlkviet.jpg." The Baltimore Sun. Web. 25 Mar 2010.
"To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart, is true for all men-that is genius. Speak you latent conviction and it shall be the universal sense; for always the inmost becomes the outmost."
This is a picture of Dr. Martin Luther King giving his "I have a dream" speech. Throughout his speech his states, "I believe..." and he truly believes that one day his beliefs can become the universal belief- and they have. I thought a while about what I should put for a picture, and for some reason this popped into my head. This picture perfectly exemplifies what Emerson has stated. Martin Luther King believed in his thoughts, made his thoughts known, and believed that one day his thoughts would become the norm. He believed that his inner thoughts would become the outer norm, and it did. I don't think we really realize it, but the approach that Dr. King took is in direct relation to most of what Emerson talks about; he portrays a "more liberal thought of intelligent persons". He was very open minded as to how the future could be, and believed that if he believed in it enough, it would come true. This is only a picture of his speech, yet I think Dr. King as a person and his way of going about things is very closely related to the way Emerson went about things and the way Emerson thought about certain things.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Emerson
“It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.”
This picture is a photo of my step-father, Roland. My step-dad is a man who is very content in his solitude. Pictured here he is fishing which also reminds me of the saying “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.” Roland is a very self-reliant man. Not only does he fish but he hunts, camps, and grows his own garden. He is not concerned about the world’s opinion and lives by his own rules. My step-father has many friends and finds that he can be himself and remain genuine under social situations he finds himself in. He does not conform to others behaviors and opinions. I think this picture represents transcendentalism by the individual power people have in providing for themselves. There is not much popularity on fishing as being a self-reliant thing that people do in order to survive but it is considered a sport for enjoyment. Roland does fish for support but he also fishes to put food on the table. One of the reasons I love this picture so much is because of the spirituality aspect to it. He is standing and fishing alone and the water behind him is extremely calm. People can meditate and get a better knowledge of themselves in times like this. Emerson encourages people to be themselves and my step-dad, Roland, is an excellent example of this.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Ralph Waldo Emerson: The Father of Transcendentalism
"To believe your own thought,
to believe that what is true for you in your private heart,
is true for all men,--that is genius" (533).
This picture depicts Galileo Galilei facing to the trial for his belief in the Copernican theory at the Vatican in Rome in the seventeenth century. Even if persecuted, he continued the pursuit of scientific truth until he died at the age of 78. Ralph Waldo Emerson appreciates Galileo's discovery in his essay "Self-reliance." Galileo strongly believed his thought, and eventually, it was true for all people. Thus, according to Emerson's principle, Galileo is definitely genius.
In "Self-reliance," Emerson says that you should emphasize your emotion--that is to say, follow your nature. He believes that if we always trust our own thought, we can live in peace. The truth "self" found can't be arbitrary. Emerson calls the concept "self-reliance." I believe this is one of the basic ideas of Transcendentalism, which emphasizes the power of the individual. He argues that we should express ourselves directly without fears of inconsistency and misunderstanding. You don't need to neither put restrictions on your nature nor shape your view.
Emerson explains how children are so innocent and pure in his essay. Actually, I was a little surprised by this idea at first because it seemed to be very different from the Calvinist doctrine of original sin the Puritans in the American colonies accepted. In fact, Emerson's philosophical essays had a great impact on American culture and literature. I think that his "Self-reliance" reflected a profound shift in religious belief in the United States at the time.
Hiroe Oiri
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Thomas Jefferson
I think that Thomas Jefferson is the person who defined America the most out of the four authors given. All of these authors had the same goal for the future of America, but I think Thomas Jefferson did more to really define America. Even in the first sentence of the reading it states everything that Thomas Jefferson did in his life, and what he did in each of them made an impact on America. Not only did he write our Declaration of Independence he was also the 3rd President of the United States, first secretary of state, minister to France, governor of Virginia, and congressman (pg. 338). Thomas Jefferson gave a lot to this country and really kept what the people would want in mind when writing the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson strived for a life where all men would be created equal, and where America would be a free land for everyone. Thomas Jefferson was the person who actually wrote what our country is based off of today, and defined America for what it is. Some of the things Americans take for granted we would not have if it were not for the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We gained rights that were not allowed in Britain such as, the right to bear arms, freedom of religion and freedom of speech. If Thomas Jefferson did not want freedom of religion we would all most likely be Puritans right now, and there would not be as much diversity. I think America would be a much different place if it were not for these rights and others that we receive as American citizens. Even back in the 17 and 1800’s Thomas Jefferson did not want slavery, and brought up the idea to make it illegal in the Declaration of Independence. I think that our country would be even more advanced than what it is today if things like these were not taken out. Thomas Jefferson just wanted the best for America’s future, and wanted to try to have these laws followed for many years to come. In my opinion Thomas Jefferson had the more common person in mind when he was making the Declaration of Independence, he said that every man has a right to each of these things, and no one can say differently.
Thomas Jefferson
I believe Thomas Jefferson did the most to define “America” as we know it. His lifelong passion was to “liberate the human mind from tyranny, whether imposed by the state, the church or our own ignorance.” (pg 339) He went to law school, and then was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses where he began his career in the legislature. He was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia (1776). He wrote the original draft of the Declaration of Independence. After he left the congress, he entered the Virginia House of Delegates and in 1779 was elected Governor. In 1784, Jefferson was appointed Minister of France and served on the commission that signed the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War. In 1790, he was appointed the first Secretary of State under the new Constitution. In 1800, he was elected president (the first to be inaugurated in Washington DC). The Library of Congress contains 55,000 of Thomas Jefferson’s manuscripts and letters. He “distrusted rulers and feared the rise of an industrial proletariat, but more than any of his eminent contemporaries, he trusted the common man....” (pg 340)
Thomas Jefferson served the citizens of this country in a political sense for most of his adult life. His writings in the Declaration of Independence showed that he was thinking of the colonists and what they should be entitled to as he was writing it. He wanted it stated that all men are created equal and that they had rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He also wanted to ensure that laws that were made could be changed and that the united colonies ought to be free and independent states and that there should be no allegiance to the British Crown. He, in essence, wrote the words that made our country the free and independent nation that it is today.
Thomas Jefferson served the citizens of this country in a political sense for most of his adult life. His writings in the Declaration of Independence showed that he was thinking of the colonists and what they should be entitled to as he was writing it. He wanted it stated that all men are created equal and that they had rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He also wanted to ensure that laws that were made could be changed and that the united colonies ought to be free and independent states and that there should be no allegiance to the British Crown. He, in essence, wrote the words that made our country the free and independent nation that it is today.
Maria McDonough
I believe author John De Crevecouer most described America as we know it. He gave many examples that made America set apart from other countries. First he asks " ...can a man call England or any other kingdom his country? A country that had no bread for him, whose fields procured no harvest, who met nothing but the frowns of the rich..." (312). By this he is describing Europe being a more poor country, and wants to know how any person living there can call it their country when they can not even provide food for them. Another example of him defining America is when he describes all the different types of backgrounds of people that come to America. "I could point out to you a family whose grandfather was an Englishman, whose wife was a Dutch, whose son married a French woman, and whose present four sons now have four wives of different nations. He is and American..." (312). By this he means that no matter what walks of life people come from, when they come together to the United States and help one another and love others they are an American. Another way he shows how people are Americans is their choice of religion. "How does it concernthe welfare of the country, or the province at large, what this man's religious sentiments are, or really whether he has any at all? He is a good farmer, he is sober, peaceable, good citizen..." (316). This quote shows that he believes that regardless of what religion you are, if you are a good person you are still an American. To show how much he believes America is a great country he states "It is here then that the idle may be employed, the useless become useful, and the poor become rich; but by riches I do not mean gold and silver, we have but little of those metals; I mean a better sort of wealth, cleared lands, cattle, good houses, good clothes, and an increase of people to enjoy them" (319). All these are examples of how the author shows America being a great free country where people can grow and prosper.
Karissa
In my personal opinion there are two ways you can look at 'defining' America. In the first way, I would say Crevecour defined America by description. He wrote a very memorable letter about how many different ways of life there were in America at the time he was living there. The second way, and probably the way we are supposed to look at this assignment, would be Jefferson's writing of the Declaration of Independence, for it helped sculpt America into what it is today. Not only did he create an opening for freedom from Great Britain, but he also paved the way for many different peoples of the future to fight for their rights, including African Americans, and women.
TJ
Each of the four authors we studied this week made a tremendous impact on defining America as we know it today. They all did this in their own way. Franklin addressed the attitude of the American people. His words of wisdom were meant to inspire people to be productive and in the end, successful. Many of his sayings we still find useful today. Crevecoeur talked extensively about the broader picture of America. He saw it as a “melting pot” which is a term we use to this day when speaking about the ideas he discussed. America was certainly defined through his words about how the progression of colonies growth would take place. His description is geared more towards someone who has never been to America before, and he sure makes it sound like a great place to be. Like Franklin, Paine was speaking to the individual American when he wrote his Common Sense pamphlets. He was trying to “rally the troops” in a sense, and give the colonial people a much needed wake up call. However, I believe that Jefferson and his Declaration of Independence had the biggest impact on defining America. He spoke about the American ideals, the rights and liberties of her people, and the choice to cast off a tyrannical government if Americans found it necessary to do so. Most notably, he defined freedom in a way that would define our nation for the rest of time.
Thomas Jefferson most defined America
Thomas Jefferson most defined America by Amy Bremness
I think Thomas Jefferson was the one whom most define America, as we know it. He did many things that lead up to how we know America. Thomas Jefferson wanted to be remembered by three things “ drafting the Declaration of Independence, writing and supporting the Virginia statue for religious freedom. These all were significant on how we know America today. The Declaration of Independence is what he is most popular for. The Declaration of Independence is very significant to Americas history if we had not have had this signed America would be influenced today by the British parliament. Jefferson believed that America was tolerating a corrupt parliament and king. He wanted these corruptions noted in the Declaration, but congress would not let him. Thomas Jefferson was not happy about Congress excluding other important ideas, such as, the freedom of slaves “He was waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating and carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither”(344 Norton). The declaration gave white men the right to bear arms, freedom of speech and freedom of religion. These were big considering in Britain these were rights that were not allowed. Declaration leads to the revolution and many years later freedom of slaves also the right for women to vote. The ideas that were places in this are a first step to many things that had changed and is what we know America to be now. I believe a black president would not have been possible if Thomas Jefferson had not open the idea of slaves having the same rights as all other humans have. The right to his own body and the right to respect and decency.
I think Thomas Jefferson was the one whom most define America, as we know it. He did many things that lead up to how we know America. Thomas Jefferson wanted to be remembered by three things “ drafting the Declaration of Independence, writing and supporting the Virginia statue for religious freedom. These all were significant on how we know America today. The Declaration of Independence is what he is most popular for. The Declaration of Independence is very significant to Americas history if we had not have had this signed America would be influenced today by the British parliament. Jefferson believed that America was tolerating a corrupt parliament and king. He wanted these corruptions noted in the Declaration, but congress would not let him. Thomas Jefferson was not happy about Congress excluding other important ideas, such as, the freedom of slaves “He was waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating and carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither”(344 Norton). The declaration gave white men the right to bear arms, freedom of speech and freedom of religion. These were big considering in Britain these were rights that were not allowed. Declaration leads to the revolution and many years later freedom of slaves also the right for women to vote. The ideas that were places in this are a first step to many things that had changed and is what we know America to be now. I believe a black president would not have been possible if Thomas Jefferson had not open the idea of slaves having the same rights as all other humans have. The right to his own body and the right to respect and decency.
I picked Crevecoeur as the one who actually defined and wrote about America as we know it today. At first I though of Thomas Jefferson, because he had a great influence by his writing of the Declaration of Independence. However, I saw his vision of America as more of a farming country with not much industry. I think he was afraid it would turn out like Britian. Crevecoeur made a lot of statements that really define America today such as on Page 312, "What then is an American, this new man?", seeing the new Americans as a great mixture of people from other countries, which was different from other places. On Page 313 he said, "Here individuals from all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labors and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world. He visioned America s being one of the greatest countries in the world. He saw the hard working man able to do whatever he set his mind to. "Americans are the western pilgrims, who are carrying along with them that great mass of arts, sciences, vigor, and industry which began long since in the east; they will finish the great circle. (Page 313) Someplace in the article, it said he celebrated diversity of people in one land, working together. He also talked about the decline of the importance of religion. On Page 311, he said, "Who can tell how far it (America) extends? Who can tell the millions of men whom it will feed and contain?" Here he saw millions more people coming to America and America becoming a great nation that was free.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Thomas Paine Defines America
I believe Thomas Paine did the most to define America. He was very outspoken about Great Britain and talked about how they had bad intentions with the future of America. He also believed that America could be, and should be independent when he says some people say “America has flourished under her former connection with Great Britain, the same connection is necessary towards her future happiness, and will always have the same effect. Nothing could be more fallacious than this kind of argument” (pg 327). He believed that America would have been fine, if not better off, it Great Britain hadn’t tried to move in. Paine wrote “Common Sense” which was intended for the average person to make them aware of what Great Britain was doing and why they shouldn’t settle for being under Great Britain's power. I think taking the initiative to come out and write this document set the tone for Americans right to express their opinion. The average person might have had the same thoughts as Paine did but they didn’t come out and say anything. Without Paine, and others like him, I don’t think we would have the freedom to say what we think is right or wrong. We would be more like many countries today that live in fear of their leaders.
Jefferson defines America
Although I enjoyed reading Franklin’s text the most, I would have to say that Jefferson best defines America as we know it today. My main reason for thinking this is due to the fact that he merely wrote the Declaration of Independence himself (he had help, yet the main ideas were his, and he took it upon himself to write it). I know many people in America today may not even know that Jefferson wrote this, or have seen his main copy (not the rewritten version), yet the Declaration still holds strong today. In a world where one’s autonomy plays a main role in all aspects of life we rely on and trust the main points of the Declaration to continue to have our rights we have today. Not only did he write the Declaration, he was also one of our presidents. He had so many accomplishments in life it astounded me. He really worked with his heart and soul to try and put his ideas for the future America into play. I think this would be a vital reason as well- he was a very smart man that only was thinking of America’s future and wanted the best for it.
Thomas Jefferson: A Real American Hero
I think that Thomas Jefferson most properly defines "America" we know because his "the Declaration of Independence" contains the fundamental principles of current American government system. "Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed (p. 342)." These words sound like Jefferson expresses the ideals of American republicanism which is the ideology of governing a nation as a democracy. In addition, the phrase "all men are created equal (p. 342)" seems to describe the democratic idea which emphasizes equal rights. As a matter of fact, the concept that government should guarantee "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (p. 342)" of the people is now universal. His ideas actually had a great impact on Europe as well as America; it became a powerful driving force of the French Revolution. "The Declaration of Independence" drafted by thirty-three year old Thomas Jefferson changed the world as well as America. There is the spirit of "the Declaration of Independence" in my country Japan today. Article thirteen of Japan's constitution states "Their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness within the limits of the general welfare shall be the supreme consideration of all law and of all government action." Jefferson might define an ideal "world" for the people who love freedom and equality.Hiroe Oiri
Thomas Jefferson
I believe that Thomas Jefferson did the most of defining America as we know it today. He accomplished so many things during his lifetime which influenced our country to much extent. He achieved a lot in his eighty-three years of life. In these years Thomas Jefferson was a member of Congress, a member of Virginia House of Burgesses, Governor of Virginia, Minister of France, First Secretary of State, Vice President, and President of the United States. Jefferson also managed to be a remarkable architect as well as a lawyer and a farmer. He was an incredibly intelligent man and had several inventions in his busy life. He is also well known for his later years of his life that were spent in retirement at Monticello, during which period he founded, designed, and directed the building of the University of Virginia. Jefferson’s greatest accomplishment and what makes him the most known for defining America as we know it is his writing of the Declaration of Independence. This was a statement which announced that the thirteen American colonies were now independent states and no longer apart of the British Empire. He accomplished this when he was only thirty-three years old. Thomas Jefferson was a remarkably smart man who should and will be recognized for his deeds to America.
Hector St. John De Crevecoeur
(Jazmin Kittleson)
I believe that Hector St. John de Crevecoeur did the best job in explaining “America” as we do know it today. Not only was his writing most inspirational to me, but his writing was the most well spoken and easiest to understand. Some might argue that his knowledge of “America” might not be the best because he was born in France, and considering he was the Tory British loyalist, he was originally loyal to the British crown. However he steps away from the British loyalist and came to America. Even though he was not born in America I really like how he defines “America” in his book of letters of a life of an American Farmer, even though not every American was a farmer many were and that is where the hardship came from. Farmers were almost like the base of everything, even though they worked the hardest and made the least without them many other things would not have been. One main way in how he shows American in how it is with all the different cultures and religions, and how many different neighbors were of all different cultures and religions. He shows celebration of diversity in cultures throughout one land and in what we know now as the “melting pot,” many Americans were of different culture and even though some of them had many differences and dislikes, most of them came together as one and were able to tolerate one another.
I believe that Hector St. John de Crevecoeur did the best job in explaining “America” as we do know it today. Not only was his writing most inspirational to me, but his writing was the most well spoken and easiest to understand. Some might argue that his knowledge of “America” might not be the best because he was born in France, and considering he was the Tory British loyalist, he was originally loyal to the British crown. However he steps away from the British loyalist and came to America. Even though he was not born in America I really like how he defines “America” in his book of letters of a life of an American Farmer, even though not every American was a farmer many were and that is where the hardship came from. Farmers were almost like the base of everything, even though they worked the hardest and made the least without them many other things would not have been. One main way in how he shows American in how it is with all the different cultures and religions, and how many different neighbors were of all different cultures and religions. He shows celebration of diversity in cultures throughout one land and in what we know now as the “melting pot,” many Americans were of different culture and even though some of them had many differences and dislikes, most of them came together as one and were able to tolerate one another.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine did the most to define “America” as we know it today. Unlike other writers of his time, his writing appealed to the common man. He wanted to reach out to as many people as possible to get his message across. His pamphlet, Common Sense, demonstrated something that is great about America, free speech. Today in America, free speech allows the media to watchdog the government and keep the people of America informed about what is going on. Paine’s Common Sense informed the colonists at the time what was wrong with Britain controlling them and that to become a great country of freedom they must become independent of Britain. Paine was not afraid to point out the faults in their relationship with Britain. He brought up that whenever Britain is at war with another country, we will also be at war with that country, and our trade will be ruined because of it. His writing inspired people to stand up for what they believe is right; something that is still very important in America today. Free speech in America today still shows the power of the written word and what it can do. It allows us to point out to other people what is wrong with how our current system works and how we can fix it. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense did exactly that and because of that we became an independent country.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Franklin
whom of these four authors did the most to define America. . . Was it Franklin, Paine, Crevecoeur, or was it Jefferson. Each individual author has added to the "definition" of America. For instance, Thomas Paine with 500,000 copies of his article "Common Sense" which helped drive Americans to venture away from Great Britain's Government. Thomas Jefferson was a man of many adventures. He has a very elegant tract recorded from congressman to governor, to the president of the United States. One of Jefferson's important contributions to "defining" America was the declaration of independence. I however, would choose Benjamin Franklin as the author who has defined "America" as we know it. He was Governor of New Jersey, chosen as a Representative to the Second Continental Congress, and signed the Treaty of Paris (which brought the revolutionary war to an end). His personal attributions to writing were also very successful. For instances, his publication of "Way to Wealth" and his "Remarks concerning the savages of North America." What we can appreciate from both publications was how he spoke to the reader with his heart in ink. in Franklin's "Remarks Concerning.." he said that "they call them savages because their manners differ from ours." This single passage I believe should define America. We should not judge other cultures or think poorly of them just because they are no just like us.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
5.5 ~ Paine
Paine did a remarkable job in defining America. He had a realistic idea of what it was to be completely independent from outside sources. He was brutally honest about what it would really mean to be truly independent from Brittan. Paine did not sugar-coat the fact that being independent would be hard work and he had the belief that every individual had the power and was capable of doing what it takes. Paine advised that we could live off our own land and use our own goods in order to survive. The fact that Paine used language that a majority of the people he was speaking to was even more powerful and influential. He used the “cause of all mankind” as a persuasive statement which allowed him to voice what was already on everybody’s minds. Paine also defined America by using the words “industrious” and “capable” giving the power over to every individual. He empowered people. Paine was very aware of the opportunity that was presented to America by cutting off connection to Great Britain and that we would be more powerful without them than keeping a connection to them. He no longer wanted to be dependent upon them for anything and truly understood what it was to be independent. Not only did he define America; he defined what it would mean to be independent.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Modern Day Native Americans, Jason, Liesette, Hiroe, Rachel, Tracey, Karissa, Matt T.
Our speech to the Senate
I’m addressing you to express how our rights, which many people are calling privileges, are being taken away from us. Before the settlers came to our land we had our own lifestyle. Though they brought ways of living that benefited us with hunting and farming they brought also brought their laws that limited our lifestyle, with them. We believed the land wasn’t supposed to be owned by man but instead should be open for everyone to live off of. When the settlers invaded our lifestyle it was clear that they wanted us to leave and take our culture with us. They tried to force their lifestyle on us and set laws to limit our way of living by making our ancestors sign treaties which they didn’t understand. These treaties limited the amount of land to live on, and today our way of living is limited by the size of our reservation. We were able to keep some of our customs on the reservations but now you are trying to take them from us by charging us with taxes and changing rules about fishing and hunting. After setting us on reservations I think we deserve to keep what we have left of our traditional lifestyle. We signed treaties with the government of the United States, and they have not honored our treaties. They have been broken over and over. We are just asking that you go back to honoring the treaties you made with our ancestors and with us over the years. We are not asking for anything more.
Question 1
“How is our speech authentic?”
We tried to take past issues like the settlers moving into the area or moving the Indians to reservations and bring up the modern day issues like taxes and wildlife laws. The topics we brought up seem to have a lot of controversy because many people think native Americans get special treatment, but the native Americans seem to think they are just trying to hold on to what they have left from their ancestors lifestyle. Many of the past minorities that were separated by race and religion have blended in and been accepted by our modern day culture but native Americans still seem to have some segregation from the rest of today’s culture, and there’s controversy on their privileges/rights.
Question 2
“How does Red Jacket’s speech differ from Pontiac’s?”
Red Jacket’s speech is easier for us to understand than Pontiac’s. It sounds straightforward. Pontiac’s speech seems to be allegorical and symbolic. It is more like a fantastical tale than a speech. One of the reasons why the two speeches are quite different may be because of the difference in the audience. Although Pontiac’s speech might sound mystical, it probably comes from the perspective of non-Indian peoples. His speech must have been convincing and compelling for the Indians at the time.
Question 3
“How is Red Jacket’s speech similar to Pontiac’s?”
Just like we wrote in our speech, both speeches detail resistance to White man's ways and religion. Pontiac refers to the English as “red dogs” that came to change the native’s ways of living (pg 209). Both speeches reflect the times of friendly contact and the times of bitter conflict between the Native Americans and the White Americans. Red Jacket discusses how when settlers arrived the Native Americans “took pity” on them and helped them, but later the settlers caused conflicts and wanted land. Also, both speeches record the decline of Native American lands and game to the White Americans. The Native Americans didn’t seem to think the land belonged to people while the settlers saw it like it was not owned by anyone.
I’m addressing you to express how our rights, which many people are calling privileges, are being taken away from us. Before the settlers came to our land we had our own lifestyle. Though they brought ways of living that benefited us with hunting and farming they brought also brought their laws that limited our lifestyle, with them. We believed the land wasn’t supposed to be owned by man but instead should be open for everyone to live off of. When the settlers invaded our lifestyle it was clear that they wanted us to leave and take our culture with us. They tried to force their lifestyle on us and set laws to limit our way of living by making our ancestors sign treaties which they didn’t understand. These treaties limited the amount of land to live on, and today our way of living is limited by the size of our reservation. We were able to keep some of our customs on the reservations but now you are trying to take them from us by charging us with taxes and changing rules about fishing and hunting. After setting us on reservations I think we deserve to keep what we have left of our traditional lifestyle. We signed treaties with the government of the United States, and they have not honored our treaties. They have been broken over and over. We are just asking that you go back to honoring the treaties you made with our ancestors and with us over the years. We are not asking for anything more.
Question 1
“How is our speech authentic?”
We tried to take past issues like the settlers moving into the area or moving the Indians to reservations and bring up the modern day issues like taxes and wildlife laws. The topics we brought up seem to have a lot of controversy because many people think native Americans get special treatment, but the native Americans seem to think they are just trying to hold on to what they have left from their ancestors lifestyle. Many of the past minorities that were separated by race and religion have blended in and been accepted by our modern day culture but native Americans still seem to have some segregation from the rest of today’s culture, and there’s controversy on their privileges/rights.
Question 2
“How does Red Jacket’s speech differ from Pontiac’s?”
Red Jacket’s speech is easier for us to understand than Pontiac’s. It sounds straightforward. Pontiac’s speech seems to be allegorical and symbolic. It is more like a fantastical tale than a speech. One of the reasons why the two speeches are quite different may be because of the difference in the audience. Although Pontiac’s speech might sound mystical, it probably comes from the perspective of non-Indian peoples. His speech must have been convincing and compelling for the Indians at the time.
Question 3
“How is Red Jacket’s speech similar to Pontiac’s?”
Just like we wrote in our speech, both speeches detail resistance to White man's ways and religion. Pontiac refers to the English as “red dogs” that came to change the native’s ways of living (pg 209). Both speeches reflect the times of friendly contact and the times of bitter conflict between the Native Americans and the White Americans. Red Jacket discusses how when settlers arrived the Native Americans “took pity” on them and helped them, but later the settlers caused conflicts and wanted land. Also, both speeches record the decline of Native American lands and game to the White Americans. The Native Americans didn’t seem to think the land belonged to people while the settlers saw it like it was not owned by anyone.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Kemble Knight's Journal
Group 1 (Jared, Connor, Anna D., Jazmin, Anna H., & Maria)
Traveling to another land, city, state, or country can be very exciting and extremely fun, but it can also be frustrating and disappointing. When you head off into your exciting journey of visiting an unknown place you begin with the travel experience. Many people voyage off by plane, boat, or car. One thing that can be extremely frustrating while traveling to another place would have to be directions, and finding your way around. One of the most frustrating things can be getting lost or not knowing which direction you are suppose to be headed in. One way in fixing this problem would be to ask someone who knows the area for directions or how to get to a specific location; most people are friendly enough to help someone with directions. The great thing about experience a different location would have to be the scenery and events that happen along with the different cultures you come across. You may need to be careful sometimes in making sure you don’t offend another culture since you are the person visiting their land and into their culture. Another important thing to remember when visiting another place would be to make sure you have everything you will need during your visit and to make sure when currency comes up you know how to use it there and how much of it.
1.) What differences do you see between Kemble Knight’s journal and other historical accounts we’ve read so far?
In other historical accounts we have read so far, Kemble’s Knight's journal is different because it shows true opinion. Kemble's opinion shows much more racism than other accounts we have read. She speaks about slave owners in New Haven, and how they allowed the slaves to eat at the table with them. ""...suffering too great familiarity from them, permitting them to sit at table and eat with them ( as they say, to save time), and into the dish goes the black hoof as feely as the white hand" (164). Kemble also speaks about drinking while on her journey. "a gentlewoman that lived at a farm house, who gave us a handsome entertainment of five or six dishes and a choice of beer..." (167). Many of the other historical readings we have been assigned have shown religion as the main purpose of the reading. I believe Kemble's piece however is more focused on opinion and rebellious words and choices made while on her journey.
2.) What accounts for the difference?
One of the main reasons for the differences seen between Knight and other journals read was due to her background. She was a very determined woman which accounts for her someone straightforward, blunt attitude while journaling. She had to "make her way in the world" (pg 162) and was hard-headed because of it. She also married a man who traveled a lot- so even though she was with someone, she still had to fend for herself and let her independence shine through. In her era, there weren't very many women writers to come by, which is why she also had to come on strong in her writing. All of these factors contributed to her style of writing, and why it was quite different from others we've read. Another thing that accounts for the differences is that because of the work she put into her career she was not afraid to show her opinion. While her husband was gone she ran a boardinghouse and taught at a school. She taught herself about laws and with that knowledge she settled many estates. Unlike other women in her time, she brought herself into a position normally taken by men. Because she is proud of this, she can become arrogant sometimes. Such as when she is in Connecticut and she calls their chief red-letter day "St. Election" day. She is making fun of the day by saying that it is as sacred as a religious holiday for the people of Connecticut. She is not afraid to express her opinion about other towns and how they are different from her Boston. While in Connecticut, she mentions that the people are "too indulgent to their slaves" and that the Native Americans she saw were the most savage she had ever seen.
3.) Why do you think Kemble Knight’s journal wasn’t read until the 19th Century?
Kemble knight’s journal summarized her roundtrip journey from Boston to New York in 1704-1705. We believe that it was not read until the 19th century because it records an arduous journey not usually undertaken by a woman. This to me would not make for an interesting novel for the 17th century and would have bored a lot of educated individuals, usually the male population due to cultural beliefs back then. Thus, for the Kemble’s journal to be published in the 19th century is a little more applicable, more female audience, shows that not only men were independent but there were also women that were very independent. Another part of the reason that her writing wasn't published was because it probably wouldn't have received much notice at the time. Women were not published as frequently then as now, and this particular type of work (especially written by a woman) was not in demand at the time. Her journal also finally found an enthusiastic audience eager to read her documents and social history from the American past. The people in the nineteenth century would find something in the past more interesting to read as to figure out the details of their lives and where they came from rather than someone living in that time.
Amy, Beth C., Nicolle, Matt L., & Jennifer Assign. 4.6
Illegal drugs are bad for you and your body. If you take an illegal drug you can end up with very serious problems. By taking drugs for your entertainment you will be classified as either a criminal or a victim. Drugs do not solve problems, but make problems worse. They can ruin every aspect of a person’s life, not to mention affect your friends and family’s lives not to mention affect your friends and family’s lives as well. By doing drugs you are wasting your money, your time, and your life. Smoking is also a drug and is a terrible addicting habit to have. When you smoke your lungs fill up with poison that will causes damage to your body, and mind. If you continue to smoke you will be destined to a life with a buddy called an oxygen machine. No matter what you do or where you go, you will have to carry one of these machines around. Drinking is another drug and is also very bad for you.
God does not want you to drink alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol you are headed down a slippery slope straight to hell. Each drink you have slides you further down this slope. God is holding each of you by a string and he could choose to let go at any time. Keep drinking alcohol and he could let you fall down at any moment. Each drink you have, you are more likely to be dropped. The devils stand ready to fall upon you and seize you at any moment. They stand ready, like greedy, hungry lions that see their prey and expect to have it. God’s hand is restraining them for the moment. Continue to drink alcohol and that could change. Encourage your friends around you not to drink alcohol. They are hanging by a string also, and are exposed to the same peril you are in. Right now you are healthy, if you should leave this world, it would be by accident. There is no visible danger to you. People who drink walk over the pit of hell on a rotten covering. There are numerable places where this covering is weak. Keep drinking and you could fall at any moment. Any care you take to preserve your own life or the care others give to preserve your life will not secure you. Continue to drink and you will damn yourself. Right now you have an extraordinary opportunity. The doors of mercy are wide open. Put down your alcoholic drink and make a commitment to quit drinking. You will be in a happy state with your heart full of love. Join the group and don’t be left behind!
If you uses drugs, alcohol or smoke you will have a life that is short and not worthwhile. You will lose friends, jobs and loved ones and your life. Don’t smoke do drugs or alcohol if you want to live a life full of health and happiness.
What changes did you make to your paragraph to make it resemble Edward’s work?
I wanted the writing to have that fire and brimstone feel that “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” has. I was forward about my belief on smoking. I didn't give any indication of that you might not end up causing damage. I just said it will cause damage. This resembles Edward's work because he was very forward about his beliefs and he was right.
Could Edward’s words have the same effect today? Why or why not?
Yes. Edward’s words could have the same effect today. There is something to be said for the peer pressure of being in a group and not wanting to be left behind. Edward’s words were powerful and really give the feeling that you are missing out on something if you don’t join the group and get left behind. I think so just because if you walk into any church during a service, more than likely it will sound just like Edwards's; forward and believable.
God does not want you to drink alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol you are headed down a slippery slope straight to hell. Each drink you have slides you further down this slope. God is holding each of you by a string and he could choose to let go at any time. Keep drinking alcohol and he could let you fall down at any moment. Each drink you have, you are more likely to be dropped. The devils stand ready to fall upon you and seize you at any moment. They stand ready, like greedy, hungry lions that see their prey and expect to have it. God’s hand is restraining them for the moment. Continue to drink alcohol and that could change. Encourage your friends around you not to drink alcohol. They are hanging by a string also, and are exposed to the same peril you are in. Right now you are healthy, if you should leave this world, it would be by accident. There is no visible danger to you. People who drink walk over the pit of hell on a rotten covering. There are numerable places where this covering is weak. Keep drinking and you could fall at any moment. Any care you take to preserve your own life or the care others give to preserve your life will not secure you. Continue to drink and you will damn yourself. Right now you have an extraordinary opportunity. The doors of mercy are wide open. Put down your alcoholic drink and make a commitment to quit drinking. You will be in a happy state with your heart full of love. Join the group and don’t be left behind!
If you uses drugs, alcohol or smoke you will have a life that is short and not worthwhile. You will lose friends, jobs and loved ones and your life. Don’t smoke do drugs or alcohol if you want to live a life full of health and happiness.
What changes did you make to your paragraph to make it resemble Edward’s work?
I wanted the writing to have that fire and brimstone feel that “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” has. I was forward about my belief on smoking. I didn't give any indication of that you might not end up causing damage. I just said it will cause damage. This resembles Edward's work because he was very forward about his beliefs and he was right.
Could Edward’s words have the same effect today? Why or why not?
Yes. Edward’s words could have the same effect today. There is something to be said for the peer pressure of being in a group and not wanting to be left behind. Edward’s words were powerful and really give the feeling that you are missing out on something if you don’t join the group and get left behind. I think so just because if you walk into any church during a service, more than likely it will sound just like Edwards's; forward and believable.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Objectiveness of Tone (Columbus & Harriot)-Jazmin Kittleson
Jazmin Kittleson
Assignment 2.3 Online Activity
1) Christopher Columbus uses an objectiveness of tone when talking about the formation of the land and the beauty it brings. He uses a bit of exaggeration in the tone of his writing especially in his letter to Ferdinand and Isabella, he uses this tone of exaggeration to emphasize the importance of his exploration and to instill confidence in what they are supporting by telling them about the formation of the land and of his discoveries. Christopher tells of how beautiful the land is and emphasizes that it is the greatest sight in the world and how gracious it is that he gets to view it himself and tell about it.
2) In Christopher Columbus’s first letter to Ferdinand and Isabella he also uses an objectiveness of tone in telling about the people and how gracious they have been while on his conquest and how great everything was going for him. “I passed from the Canary Islands from the Indies with the fleet which the most illustrious king and queen our sovereigns gave to me” (25). Christopher Columbus’s whole journey/experience was not as great as he perceived it to Ferdinand and Isabella, many events were to be true but with the way he tells it he is good at manipulating the truth in how it is perceived.
3) In the writings of Harriot his objectiveness of tone is very optimistic especially when talking about how easy it was for the conversion of the Indians. He talked about how they would rub their bodies against the bibles and kiss for consideration of credibility. It is hard to believe that the Natives are so quickly to turn from their gods. Harriot also uses a lot of exaggeration in how the Natives started to become diseased once the Christians started to leave their lands, and he implies that might be the affect.
4) One of the main reason Harriot uses an objectiveness in his tone of writing would be because Harriot was forced by his employer Sir Walter Ralegh to be propagandistic. He had to give the land glorious reviews and also had to review the Native Americans as wonderful to Christianity. He wanted to make sure that the viewers and audiences were pleased with what they heard and how things were, because to them Christianity is the only light and it should be like that everywhere and it is good to know that Harriot is doing a good job of spreading that because no one wants to be considered a failure.
assignment 2.3 Matt L and Karissa
When writing his letters, Columbus was very objective in his tone of writing. In his first letter he wrote only about how beautiful the land was, how friendly the people were, and how green everything was. He didn’t say one bad or descending thing about anything he saw or anyone he met. The reason for this is most likely that if the court of Spain thought there was anything wrong or upsetting about the New World, they might not have given Columbus more money for future explorations, which Columbus thought was an important necessity to make.
Thomas Harriot viewed the Native Americans as quite different compared to people in England like himself. He seemed to talk about the Indians in a very negative matter stating how they live, what they wear, their religion, and much more about them. Harriot mentions what it would be like to get in a war with the Native Americans stating, “By the experience we have in some places, the turning up of their heels against us in running away was their best defense” (page 38). Here he talks about all of the advantages we would have against the Indians. Harriot also says what little they have compared to us saying “they have no such tools, nor any such crafts, sciences and arts as we” (page 38). He thinks that they should start respecting us and doing everything they can to please us so maybe one day they could be brought to civilization and true religion.
Thomas Harriot viewed the Native Americans as quite different compared to people in England like himself. He seemed to talk about the Indians in a very negative matter stating how they live, what they wear, their religion, and much more about them. Harriot mentions what it would be like to get in a war with the Native Americans stating, “By the experience we have in some places, the turning up of their heels against us in running away was their best defense” (page 38). Here he talks about all of the advantages we would have against the Indians. Harriot also says what little they have compared to us saying “they have no such tools, nor any such crafts, sciences and arts as we” (page 38). He thinks that they should start respecting us and doing everything they can to please us so maybe one day they could be brought to civilization and true religion.
Nicolle and Anna L.
Harriot talked about religion as if its just a made up story that people believe in; unlike himself. "They believe also [in] the immortality of the soul..." (page 39).With using "they" all the time, It references the assumption of disbelief. I say this because he doesn't talk about himself believing in anything.
Harriot also describes the religion of the people from the view point that they are wrong, and he is right. "Some religion they have already, which although it is far from the truth, yet being as it is, there is hope it may be easier and sooner reformed" (pg. 39) The very first thing he mentions about it is how what they believe is far from what he believes, which he calls, "the truth" and in the same sentence talks about how easy it will be then to reform their religion. It is apparent from the start that it is not a merely descriptive text.
Columbus showed excitement about finding new land. In his journals, he would describe the new land like "All are most beautiful..." (page 26). He showed compassion for what he discovered. He did this by describing, "...of a thousand shapes, and all are accessible and filled with trees of a thousand kinds and tall, and they seem to touch the sky" (page 26). You can just here the enthusiasm coming right out of his mouth from the reading. Columbus describes the new lands he is seeing with emotion, and you can tell he is really moved by all they have to offer. He speaks about the extremely fertile lands, many harbors, beautiful mountains and "many rivers, good and large, which is marvelous." (pg. 26)
Harriot also describes the religion of the people from the view point that they are wrong, and he is right. "Some religion they have already, which although it is far from the truth, yet being as it is, there is hope it may be easier and sooner reformed" (pg. 39) The very first thing he mentions about it is how what they believe is far from what he believes, which he calls, "the truth" and in the same sentence talks about how easy it will be then to reform their religion. It is apparent from the start that it is not a merely descriptive text.
Columbus showed excitement about finding new land. In his journals, he would describe the new land like "All are most beautiful..." (page 26). He showed compassion for what he discovered. He did this by describing, "...of a thousand shapes, and all are accessible and filled with trees of a thousand kinds and tall, and they seem to touch the sky" (page 26). You can just here the enthusiasm coming right out of his mouth from the reading. Columbus describes the new lands he is seeing with emotion, and you can tell he is really moved by all they have to offer. He speaks about the extremely fertile lands, many harbors, beautiful mountains and "many rivers, good and large, which is marvelous." (pg. 26)
Jared, Liesette, and Connor
In the readings about Christopher Columbus there is nothing concrete that indicates Columbus’s views on Native Americans. There are only a few indications on how he may have viewed the Native Americans. The first being a statement that was made early in the introduction to Columbus that states, “Apparently friendly relations with the Taino Indians on the island of Hispaniola in 1492 turned sour as the settlers Columbus left behind demanded gold and sexual partners from their hosts” (P. 24-25). The same thing occurred when he left a second time after establishing a new settlement on the island. Columbus was able to create settlement on the island of Hispaniola and the readings have us believe that things were well on the island while Columbus was there. Only when he left the island did disorder and problems arise.
The second indication of Columbus’s views on Native Americans comes from the letter he sent to Luis de Santangel. In his letter Columbus writes, “And there I found very many islands filled with people innumerable, and of them all I have taken possession for their highnesses, by proclamation made and with the royal standard unfurled, and no opposition was offer to me” (P. 25). This statement makes us believe that Columbus had taken control over the island and that no one had opposed him. He was the ruler of the island and is governing under the royal standard. Columbus did what was best for Columbus. He took control over the Native Americans and then used them to his advantage. This was very apparent during his third voyage when he encountered hostile Spanish settlers and reached a truce by using the Taino Indians as leverage and making them Spanish slaves.
Thomas Harriot does not have a completely objective tone in his writing. His beliefs are shown when he talks about their technology compared to the Native Americans' and he goes on to write, "By so much the more is it probable that they should desire our friendship and love, and have the greater respect for pleasing and obeying us." (P. 38). He shows his belief that because they own things that the natives have never seen before the natives will see the colonists' superiority and become their servants. Another example of Harriot not being objective in his writing is when he mentions the Native Americans showing their appreciation for the Bible. He writes, "Yet would many be glad to touch it, to embrace it, to kiss it, to hold it to their breasts and heads, and stroke over all their body with it," (P. 40). Harriot is trying to spread the word of God as a part of his job and by writing this it shows he is doing an incredible job of changing the Native Americans to be followers of the new colonists.
The second indication of Columbus’s views on Native Americans comes from the letter he sent to Luis de Santangel. In his letter Columbus writes, “And there I found very many islands filled with people innumerable, and of them all I have taken possession for their highnesses, by proclamation made and with the royal standard unfurled, and no opposition was offer to me” (P. 25). This statement makes us believe that Columbus had taken control over the island and that no one had opposed him. He was the ruler of the island and is governing under the royal standard. Columbus did what was best for Columbus. He took control over the Native Americans and then used them to his advantage. This was very apparent during his third voyage when he encountered hostile Spanish settlers and reached a truce by using the Taino Indians as leverage and making them Spanish slaves.
Thomas Harriot does not have a completely objective tone in his writing. His beliefs are shown when he talks about their technology compared to the Native Americans' and he goes on to write, "By so much the more is it probable that they should desire our friendship and love, and have the greater respect for pleasing and obeying us." (P. 38). He shows his belief that because they own things that the natives have never seen before the natives will see the colonists' superiority and become their servants. Another example of Harriot not being objective in his writing is when he mentions the Native Americans showing their appreciation for the Bible. He writes, "Yet would many be glad to touch it, to embrace it, to kiss it, to hold it to their breasts and heads, and stroke over all their body with it," (P. 40). Harriot is trying to spread the word of God as a part of his job and by writing this it shows he is doing an incredible job of changing the Native Americans to be followers of the new colonists.
Assignment 2.3, Jason R and Matt T
Columbus’ main reason for his voyages wasn’t religion, but you can tell religion was a big part of his life. He was always thanking God for what’s happening on his voyages. In his letter to Luis de Santangel he says “As I know that you will be pleased at the great victory with which Our Lord has crowned my voyage” (pg 25). When he finds the first island, he names it San Salvador which means “Holy Savior” (pg 25) to thank God. In his letter to Ferdinand and Isabella, when he sees other explorers going there to plunder he says “It is well to give to God that which is His due and to Caesar that which belongs to him”(27) or in other words, everything belongs to God. At the end of his letter to Ferdinand and Isabella, he feels like he has drifted from his religion and he’s afraid he will die before returning when he says “Here in the Indies I have become careless of the prescribed forms of religion. Alone in my trouble, sick, in daily expectation of death, and encompassed about by a million savages, full of cruelty and our foes, and so separated from the holy sacraments of Holy Church, my soul will be forgotten if it leaves my body.”(pg 28) He ends with, “May the Holy Trinity preserve your life and high estate, and grant you increase as prosperity.” (pg 28) it’s clear that he values religion and puts his life in God’s hands.
Cabeza de Vaca’s motivation to explore was based on an obligation to follow in his family and ancestors footsteps. He said "I can say for myself that I undertook the march abroad, on royal authorization, with a firm trust that my service would be as evident and distinguished as my ancestors" (page 30). As a boy, Cabeza de Vaca saw Columbus in chains returning from the new world which probably made an impression on him to want to explore. He also went to wars in Italy and fought in Spain which made him want something more. This was his reason for his voyage.
Cabeza de Vaca’s motivation to explore was based on an obligation to follow in his family and ancestors footsteps. He said "I can say for myself that I undertook the march abroad, on royal authorization, with a firm trust that my service would be as evident and distinguished as my ancestors" (page 30). As a boy, Cabeza de Vaca saw Columbus in chains returning from the new world which probably made an impression on him to want to explore. He also went to wars in Italy and fought in Spain which made him want something more. This was his reason for his voyage.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)