3. During Chief Seattle's letter, he makes several statements that resound ecological awareness. He begins the letter by making a point about the "white man." He says that the white man "is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he needs. The earth is not his brother, but his enemy" (364). He does not have anything directly bitter to say about their ways of life, but he goes on to state that "all things share the same breath--the beasts, the trees, the man" (364). Chief Seattle's ecological note tells the white man that they can keep living as they do now, but it is all going to come around and hurt them sooner or later--maybe not them personally, but the generations of men to come. In addition, Chief Seattle uses an ecological reference when he says that the white man might pass quicker than any other race because of their way of life. He warns, "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (364). Chief Seattle refers to the fact that although the effect of contamination does not take hold immediately, it does not mean that one day they will no come. However, when the repercussions do materialize, the damage will be done and it will be too late to change anything. Lastly, Chief Seattle describes the chain of events which will lead to crossing the fine line between living and survival. He illustrates, “when the buffalo are all slaughtered, the wild horses all tamed, the secret corners of the forest heavy with the scent of many men…where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone….the end of living and the beginning of survival? (364). This relates to the bigger picture of the earth--if man uses all the natural resources that are available all at once, there will be nothing left. Species will die, and not only animal species, but even the human species. They will have to begin surviving instead of living, because they were not thinking about the future impact of their current actions.
1) Chief Seattle’s repeated use of the word savage serves to point out that the Indians are not actually savages. In the first paragraph, Seattle uses examples of white behavior that make them seem selfish and ignorant. He says “takes from the land whatever he needs” (Seattle) and “He leaves his father’s graves and his children’s birthright is forgotten” (Seattle). These actions, when written this way, make the white man seem like more of a savage. He then says “But perhaps it is because the red man is a savage and does not understand” (Seattle). The use of the word “Perhaps” emphasizes the sarcasm in this statement. In the second paragraph seattle uses a similar phrase to once again point out the irony in calling the red man a savage. He follows with things in nature the Indians appreciate, such as "the soft sound of the wind" and "the smell of wind...scented with the pinon pine" (Seattle). These things make the white man's love of technology and construction seem savage compared to the red man's gentle appreciation of nature.
3) Chief Seattle's ecologically conscious statements makes the white man seem like more of a savage and gives them a stronger more white man related reason to listen to the Indians. When he says "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (Seattle), He shows that the white man is slowly destroying himself. This gives the white people a better reason to listen to the Indians because the consequences involve something bad happening to them, not just the Indians. In the final paragraph of the letter Seattle says "When the buffalo are all slaughtered, the wild horses all tamed, the secret corners of the forest heavy with the scent of many men, and the view of the ripe hills blotted by talking wires, where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone" (Seattle). This quote tells the white man that if they continue to expand the way they do with no regard for nature they will eventually wipe out all traces of it, creating a worse world for the younger generations.
1. The purpose of Chief Seattle’s ironic and belittling comments throughout the letter is to establish his ethos, lack of bias, and to call attention to the stakes of the actions of mankind. He keeps mentioning how “the red man is a savage and does not understand” (364). The establishment of his ethos, in essence, destroys his own credibility, leaving the audience to determine for themselves who to believe. It presents his argument in an unbiased light, and this makes his argument more credible. He accepts that he is “a savage” in order to let the reader decide about the case at hand. Chief Seattle is willing to degrade himself in order to let the audience see that protecting the earth is of the ultimate importance.
1) I agree with Edwin's comments about Chief Seattle's use of the word "savage" as being sarcastic. It's as if he is saying "well what do I know" after giving sound advice. It is used ironically as well, as the descriptions of white people and Native Americans leave the reader with the fact that the white people are the savage ones. He says "The earth is not [the white man's] brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on" (paragraph 1). This accurate description of many of the white men who expanded westward in the 1800s is sharply contrasted by the description of the beautiful way in which the Native Americans are described in their treatment of nature. He communicates that Native Americans prefer nature to cities by saying that they value "the souft sound of the wind darting over the face of the pond, the smell of the wind cleansed by a mid-day rain, or scented with the piñon pine. The air is precious to the red man. For all things share the same breath-the beasts, the trees, the man" (paragraph 2). From these two descriptions, it is clearly obvious that the savage one here is the white man. Through the use of sarcasm and careful description, Chief Seattle is able to dispel the myth of Native American savagery and show that the real savages are the white people who settled the frontier through force. 3) Chief Seattle's ecological awareness is evident throughout his letter. He says that "Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (paragraph 3). The white men are destroying the land, animals, and culture of the frontier at a rapid pace, and do not have the foresight of Chief Seattle to see that the destruction of the land, animals, and culture will have long term negative effects. He says, "continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (paragraph 5).
1) Chief Seattle refers to "the red man" as a savage who "does not understand" to show how the white man doesn't understand. he is referring to himself as the white man perceives him but displays wisdom throughout the letter, showing the the white man is the real fool.
2) "Continue to contaminate you bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (paragraph 5) he uses ecological awareness to show that the white man is the enemy of the land and that the land will someday betray the white man as the white man has betrayed it. He thus implies that the land is on the side of the natives. "For all things share the same breath - the beasts, the trees, the man," (paragraph 2) in this he appeals to the white man to embrace the wilderness and discontinue his abuse of it. He reminds the white man that "Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (paragraph 3), in hopes that the white man will remedy his ways.
1) I think that Chief Seattle keeps making ironic comments and apparently self-disparaging remarks because he wants to show his side of it. He believes that not all tribes understood why the new Americans were taking over their lands and building cities, so he's using himself as an example. He's also in a way getting President Pierce to agree with him. He's getting the president to agree with him (that the red man "is a savage and does not understand" (paragraph 2)), and will therefore be more likely to agree overall with Chief Seattle's other views. I think he is also reducing the blow. Because the President of the United States of America is white and (obviously) American, he would take great offense to some of Chief Seattle's comments, such as "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (paragraph 5). This is a highly offensive statement, but because the Chief has already pointed out that he does not understand, the President may just take it as Chief Seattle's dim-wittedness. Chief Seattle uses ironic statements to both make the President more likely to listen and agree and to soften his many stabs.
3) "The air is precious...for all things the same breath" (paragraph 2) shows the modern view that clean air is good and polluted air is bad. Chief Seattle proves the point that everything, including people, must breather air. And if said air is contaminated and unbreathable, everybody will die or suffer. "Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (paragraph 3). This quote comments on the fact that whatever we do to the earth we do to ourselves, so if we pollute a stream and make its water undrinkable, we lose a source of water. If we cut down trees, it takes a while for them to grow back. This is a pretty modern view, as in those times, the world was so vast, Americans felt that they would have an unlimited supply forever.
1) I also believe that Chief Seattle refers himself and other Indians as "savages" sarcastically. He makes a good point, but then contradicts it by saying it doesn't matter what he says because he is only a "savage." It is almost like he is looking upon himself as a white man would. For example, in the first paragraph he says that cities "pains the sight of the red man." I believe he referred to other Indians as "red men" sarcastically, because in a white man's eyes they aren't even important enough to be recognized as people. 3) Chief Seattle uses statements like this throughout his letter. In the first paragraph he says that "the earth is not (the white man)'s brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on." He says this because he wants people to realize that the White Men are having a negative effect on the earth. He uses a similar statement in the 5th paragraph when he says "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste." He is saying that if the White Men continue to act like they are, then they will not last and eventually die out. Both of these are good statements, because they are persuasive.
1. In calling himself and other Indians "savages", Chief Seattle is being sarcastic. He is acknowledging the fact that white people have a complex that Indians are an inferior, uneducated race. In doing so, he is proving the exact opposite. He is demonstrating their harmony with nature, demonstrated by their disregard for big, industrialized cities. Ultimately, he claims that the white men will suffer for their misdeeds, as they are not aware of what the future holds in store for them. He writes, "continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste". Here he says that they are unknowingly digging themselves a deeper hole by industrializing across the nation, and at one point they will finally realize their mistakes but it will be too late by then for them to recover.
3. Chief Seattle makes similar notes of ecological awareness and displays a more genearlied knowledge of a man way beyond their years. he also writes "For all things share the same breath-the beasts, the trees, the man". This refers to the fact that all three breathe the same air in nature to survive. He continues, saying, "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste". In writing this, he shows that the industrialization should be discontinued as soon as possible because it is harming nature. If they continue to industrialize, they will realized their mistakes too late. Finally, he writes "where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone.". This demonstrates a modernized ecological awareness, because as a result of modern industralization, millions of acres have been destructed, ruining the habitats of many animals in the process. Eagles have become an endangered species in recent years, asserting Chief Seattle's claim.
1. Chief Seattle continually repeats the phrases, "a savage" who "does not understand" to convey to the reader in a bitterly sarcastic way the Indian's inherent understanding. As opposed to blatantly stating their intelligence and incisive understanding, Chief Seattle chooses to imply and assert the Indians' understanding in a less aggressive and overt way. By doing so, President Pierce and other readers are more inclined to decide and conclude for themselves the Indians' mental capacity. In a bitter and ironic tone, Chief Seattle states, "But perhaps because I am a savage and do not understand, the clatter only seems to insult the ears" (2). Clearly by assuming an ignorant and uninformed position in the letter, Chief Savage criticizes the "white man's" obvious and ironic ignorance and inability to truly understand the consequences of their actions.
3. Chief Seattle's tendency to raise awareness of ecological issues is illustrated through his statement, "[W]hatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected" (3). Chief Seattle reiterates this idea of connectivity between all living things when he explains, "For all things share the same breath--the beasts, the trees, the man" (2). Chief Seattle raises ecological awareness to the fragile balance between the people and the environment, illustrating his keen insight into the fragility of the ecosystem. He goes on to declare, "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (5). Chief Seattle aptly demonstrates the connection between one's actions and the inevitable consequences that follow. He makes a statement about the immortality of the environment we inhabit and attempts to persuade the "white man" to develop a newfound respect for it in order to maintain its natural beauty.
1. Although the comments seem to be self-deprecating, Chief Seattle is using irony to highlight the white man’s lack of understanding. He uses the white man’s language when he calls himself a “red man” and a “savage,” which is obviously untrue considering his knowledge of the land and animals. Repetition of the word “savage” throughout the speech emphasizes this point.
3. Another instance of Chief Seattle’s ecological awareness is seen when he states, “For all things share the same breath – the beasts, the trees, the man” (¶ 2). Here, he emphasizes the fact that when man contaminates the environment, he is affecting not only himself, but all other living beings. In another example, Chief Seattle posits, “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of earth” (¶ 3). He explains that harming the earth will in turn harm the inhabitants of it – humans, animals, and plants. Additionally, Chief Seattle utilizes a metaphor in warning: “Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste” (¶ 5). A similar message lies in this phrasing – that harm caused to the earth will become harm caused to all creatures living on it.
1) I believe his comments that he is "a savage" and "does not understand" serve two purposes. They convey to the white readers of his letter a sort of submission. Due to the social constructs of the time, the Native American's inferiority was no doubt accepted as fact. By referring to this perception, Seattle allows the President to dismiss his letter, disregard his comments, and disrespect Seattle. While this takes away the value of his value of his letter, it was no doubt the only way to convey anything of importance without angering the white man. The constant reference to himself as a savage also, no doubt, is a way for Seattle to feel better about himself. The slightly sarcastic tone is possibly his way of telling himself that he is an intelligent being, living in a world where he has no chance to be respected as such based on his skin colour. So, basically, by referring to himself as a savage, he is both catering to the white mans racisim, and perserving his self respect.
3)Chief Seattle comments that "all things share the same breath" (2), speaking both to the bond between all living things, and to the necessity for a clean environment. By showing how all things share in this one thing, air, he is trying to illustrate how they are all related and all deserve respect. He is also trying to convey the importance of the air and the earth. It is not only important to one life form, it is vital to every life form, and if taken away, everything would collapse. He also says that "whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (3), also speaking to interconnection in nature. By this and other comments, Seattle is trying to form a bond between the white man and the earth and its other inhabitants. Perhaps if the reader of his letter feels connected to the earth around him, and understands the necessity for it, he will respect it more.
1.Chief Seattle's self-disparaging remarks are ironic because although he calls himself a savage, he shows a great amount of knowledge and understanding throughout the letter. He implements this irony as a concession to show the white man's ignorance to the native American's intelligence. Calling himself a "savage", Chief Seattle in a way already predicts what the white men think of the native Americans. However, he is able to weaken their arguments by showing his understanding of the relations between the two cultures in his essay to the President.
3. Chief Seattle comments that "the air is precious to the red man. For all things share the same breath-the beasts, the trees, the man" (2). This observation's purpose is to show the equality between the native americans and the white men. Chief Seattle knows that white men underestimate their intelligence, yet he declares that the two ethnicities are equal. He makes a similar observation when he states that "all things are connected. whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (3). Here, Chief Seattle also illustrates the equality of the two men.
1. Chief Seattle is being extremely sarcastic. While sending a letter to the president, Seattle is trying to express his view of the white man’s opinions. By claiming that “the red man is a savage and does not understand” (364), the chief explains that he knows what the white man thinks of him and his people. However, Seattle’s main use of the word “savage” (364) is to prove that he and his tribe are not actually savages. According to Seattle, the white man’s view of Indians is flawed, so Seattle mocks their opinion. Seattle raises his own status by imitating the white man’s views of Indians and by calling himself a “savage” (364), whereas he lowers the status of the white man. Mocking someone’s ideas in order to strengthen one’s own ideas could also be considered a form of a concession. Chief Seattle has already predetermined that any white man would disregard his ideas since white men believe Indians to be savages. Thus, by mocking the white man’s view, the Indian chief persuades the audience that the white man’s opinion of Indians is absurd and lets the reader decide for himself whether he thinks Indians are truly savages. 3. In his letter to President Pierce, Chief Seattle mentions several ideas about ecological awareness. In addition to his connection between beasts and man, Seattle claims that “all things share the same breath – the beasts, the trees, the man” (364). Incorporating asyndeton, Seattle emphasizes how every part of life is connected to other of life’s components. Rather than saying that all things share the same characteristics or purpose, Chief Seattle uses the word “breath” (364), a word that makes all things seem to have a human quality that connects them to every other part of life. Near the closing of his letter, Seattle explains, “Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste” (364). His second ecological reference has to do with the results of certain actions. Even though people do not believe that their present actions will affect them, their actions will affect a portion of people, someday. Again, all living creatures are connected, as Chief Seattle has illustrated in his statement comparing beasts to man. Therefore, any harm to one being leads to some type of harm to another individual.
1. I agree with the majority of these comments that Chief Seattle's use of the word savage has a sarcastic tone. His goal is to show the reader that white men are not as educated and civilized as they appear to be. Seattle makes the white men seem savage when he says, "The earth is not his brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on. He leaves his father's graves and children's birthright is forgotten" (1). His belief is white men have no respect for the earth and are always focused on the next land or people to conquer and because Seattle "is savage" he will does not understand (1).
3. Seattle's ecological awareness is presented throughout the letter. He states "all things share the same breath" (2) and this shows his belief that everything in nature is connected. He already sees the value in pure air and knows we can't survive without it. Seattle also states that if the white man "continue[s] to contaminate your bed, you will suffocate in your own waste" (5). Again, this shows his belief white men have no respect for their environment and if the air keeps being polluted and white men continue to ruin the earth we will "die in our own waste" (5).
1. Chief Seattle repeatedly uses the term "savages" to describe his people to highlight the ignorance and xenophobia with which the Americans approached the Native Americans' unique culture. This sassy remark is powerful due to the juxtaposition of the word "savage" with the civilized and formal tone of Chief Seattle's speech. Also, by facetiously saying that Native Americans are savages for not understanding white culture, Chief Seattle is perhaps suggesting that the whites themselves are savages. In Chief Seattle's eyes, it would be an expression of tremendous uncivilized savagery to war against one's own natural world and attempt to subjugate it.
3. Chief Seattle posits that "all things share the same breath--the beasts, the trees, the man" (2). This continues his theme of environmental inter-connectedness, or "the circle ofe life" (Littlefoot's grandma, "Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists"). Chief Seattle and his people are ingrained in the circle of life and are able to peacefully co-exist with their fellow beasts, trees, and men. However, the white man views the land not as "his brother, but his enemy" (1). Chief Seattle knows that no good can come of such brutal and uncivilized misuse of nature's gifts, and he laments the rapid ascension of the white man, who clearly is not a part of the circle life.
1. Chief Seattle self-degrades him and his own race to create the opposite effect. He emphasizes the red man's ignorance by saying, "But perhaps it is because the red man is a savage and does not understand" (paragraph 1). When in reality the white man does not understand, creating irony. Through displaying wisdom throughout his response, indicating that the white man is actually the ignorant one.
2. Chief Seattle mentions many examples of ecological awareness throughout his letter. For instance, he says, "The Indian prefers the soft sound of the wind darting over the face of the pond, the smell of the wind itself cleansed by a mid-day rain, or scented with the piñon pine. The air is precious to the red man" (paragraph 2). This just shows how nature and natural beauty are so significant to their culture. He also criticizes the white man by saying, "continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (paragraph 5). This shows how the average white man is not very appreciative of his surroundings.
1. Chief Seattle repeatedly refers to the red man as "a savage" who "does not understand" in parallel to himself. He too states "But perhaps because I am a savage and do not undersand" (paragraph 2), relating himself as a red man. The red men are considered the Indians who "do not" know anything and who are clueless; however, they are proven to be smart through the knowledge that is displayed in Chief Seatle's writing. Since he refers himself as a red man, he proves to the reader his knowledge and understanding of everything, more than the white men. The purpose of such ironic comments is to appeal to the audience that, although the red men seem to be uneducated, they are infact smart and understand a lot more than the white men.
2. Chief Seattle states many examples of ecological awareness throughout his letter to enhance his claim. His claim is that modern man does not appreciate earth; instead they conquer it and take advatage of it. All life on earth depends on each other, if one life falls, the others fall with it; thus creating a chain reaction. "If all the beasts were gone, men would die from great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man. All thinks are connected" (paragraph 3). Since the white men take things for granted, eventually supplies will run out; thus resulting in a huge problem. Unknowlingly taking advatage, the white men will soon come to the idea of stopping the habit but unfortunately it will be too late. Other examples of ecological awarness enhancing Seattle's claim are: "Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (paragraph 3) and the other "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (paragraph 5). These examples are used to explain the possible causes of taking advantage of the earth. The white men need to learn how to conserve and appreciate the earth just like the Indians do. The white men should learn from the Indians so earth won't result in a huge problem.
1. By calling himself a savage but showing how he is not, Chief Seattle displays how wrong the white man is. He uses sarcasm to show how stupid it is to think that Native Americans are stupid and barbaric. He gives examples of how barbaric the white man is and follows them up with the derogatory statements that the white man makes about the red man, pointing out the irony of these statements. For instance, Chief Seattle says that the white men treat the earth as a "conquered enemy," valuing cities above nature (1). By contrasting this with the red man's view of nature, he shows how barbaric the white man is and how foolish the white man is to say "the red man is a savage and does not understand" (1-2). 3. Chief Seattle points out mistakes that the white man makes when dealing with the environment. For example, Seattle says, "When the buffalo are all slaughtered, the wild horses all tamed, the secret corners of the forest heavy with the scent of many men, and the view of the ripe hills blotted by talking wires, where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone" (5). He shows how the white men are destroying the earth, and that one day they will have nothing left if they are so myopic as to maintain this self-destructive habit. This argument is effective because it reaches out to the audience's logos - anyone would be able to see how one day Chief Seattle's prophecy will come true if measures are not taken against it. Also, he states, "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (5). This statement, surprising for its time, is similar to the message of the movie "Wall-E": one day the white men will create so much waste that the earth will be nothing but trash. Both the idea and the way it is conveyed is effective - the idea of contaminating one's bed is so repulsive that it emphasizes the problem. Chief Seattle effectively convinces his audience of the ecological aftermath of the white man's actions.
1. The purpose of Seattle refering to himself as a "savage" is to be ironic. This referance is a comment on social situation and how the white man has viewed indians as savages. This increases his ethos and makes an appeal to pathos. "He leaves his father's graves, and his childrens birthright is forgotten" In this statement savage elicits pathos from the reader and then when he states that the indian is savage and does not understand it furthers this appeal to pathos
3. "continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste." This appeals to modern ideas of ecological awareness and adresses the white man on a subject that he understands. "If all the beasts were gone, men would die from great loneliness of spirit." This quote appeals to pathos as well as logos. It appeals to logos because it shows that logically we cannot survive without animals. It appeals to pathos because it uses such words as loneliness. This word will have a profound emotional effect on the reader.
1) Chief Seattle uses his ironic and sarcastic statements as underhanded jabs at the white man, indicating that they are ignorant for making such silly labels for entire groups.
2) The editor probably associates native american culture with rhetorical questions, and uses them repeatedly in order to create a sort of appeal to authority based on the mysticism surrounding native American culture.
1. Chief Seattle sarcastically explains that since he is a "red man" that how could he possibly understand. This comment mocks the "white man's" view of the "red man-" how could this "savage" understand- when really it is the "white man" is the ignorant one. By calling the Native Americans "savage" and questioning their ability to understand the "white man," Chief Seattle points out that it is instead the "white man" who is ignorant to the Native American culture. Also, Chief Seattle explains how the "white man" lives, says how it is possible wrong or destructive, and then says that perhaps he cannot understand the ways of the Americans because he is only a "savage." By doing this, he shows that he does understand and that the Americans do not want the "red man" challenging their ways even or especially if they are wrong because they are supposed to be savage while the Americans are supposed to be civilized. 3. Throughout his letter, Chief Seattle shows a great ecological awareness. For example in Paragraph 2, he writes, "All things share the same breath-the beasts, the trees, the man." This statement is very effective because it connects humans to nature in that they all share the air. Also, perhaps the word "breath" refers rather to the soul than to the air (2). This makes the passage even more effective because it connects humans with nature on a spiritual level. Additionally, Chief Seattle explains, "Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (3). Chief Seattle connects what happens to the earth to what happens to humans. He writes that if we ruin the earth, we ruin ourselves. Chief Seattle connects the earth and humans quite effectively to show how people must take care of the earth and its creatures to keep ourselves safe.
1. Chief Seattle repeats the derogatory title of "savage" when referring to himself or to his poeple to pound in emphasis on the fact that he does in fact understand all of the things that, as he sees it, the government believes that it can get away with with Native Americans through misjudgement of intelligence and an underestimation of the complexity of their way of life.
3. "For all things share the same breath..." Chief Seattle once again emphasizes human dependence on nature, saying that we need to preserve it our well being. Air is an extremely universal subject for this concept, and could have wide resonance or provoke thought in breathing readers. "Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth". Chief Seattleplaces here a much more implied idea of impending doom, for much has befallen the earth at the hands of the white man.
Question 3
ReplyDelete3. During Chief Seattle's letter, he makes several statements that resound ecological awareness. He begins the letter by making a point about the "white man." He says that the white man "is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he needs. The earth is not his brother, but his enemy" (364). He does not have anything directly bitter to say about their ways of life, but he goes on to state that "all things share the same breath--the beasts, the trees, the man" (364). Chief Seattle's ecological note tells the white man that they can keep living as they do now, but it is all going to come around and hurt them sooner or later--maybe not them personally, but the generations of men to come. In addition, Chief Seattle uses an ecological reference when he says that the white man might pass quicker than any other race because of their way of life. He warns, "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (364). Chief Seattle refers to the fact that although the effect of contamination does not take hold immediately, it does not mean that one day they will no come. However, when the repercussions do materialize, the damage will be done and it will be too late to change anything. Lastly, Chief Seattle describes the chain of events which will lead to crossing the fine line between living and survival. He illustrates, “when the buffalo are all slaughtered, the wild horses all tamed, the secret corners of the forest heavy with the scent of many men…where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone….the end of living and the beginning of survival? (364). This relates to the bigger picture of the earth--if man uses all the natural resources that are available all at once, there will be nothing left. Species will die, and not only animal species, but even the human species. They will have to begin surviving instead of living, because they were not thinking about the future impact of their current actions.
1) Chief Seattle’s repeated use of the word savage serves to point out that the Indians are not actually savages. In the first paragraph, Seattle uses examples of white behavior that make them seem selfish and ignorant. He says “takes from the land whatever he needs” (Seattle) and “He leaves his father’s graves and his children’s birthright is forgotten” (Seattle). These actions, when written this way, make the white man seem like more of a savage. He then says “But perhaps it is because the red man is a savage and does not understand” (Seattle). The use of the word “Perhaps” emphasizes the sarcasm in this statement.
ReplyDeleteIn the second paragraph seattle uses a similar phrase to once again point out the irony in calling the red man a savage. He follows with things in nature the Indians appreciate, such as "the soft sound of the wind" and "the smell of wind...scented with the pinon pine" (Seattle). These things make the white man's love of technology and construction seem savage compared to the red man's gentle appreciation of nature.
3) Chief Seattle's ecologically conscious statements makes the white man seem like more of a savage and gives them a stronger more white man related reason to listen to the Indians. When he says "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (Seattle), He shows that the white man is slowly destroying himself. This gives the white people a better reason to listen to the Indians because the consequences involve something bad happening to them, not just the Indians.
In the final paragraph of the letter Seattle says "When the buffalo are all slaughtered, the wild horses all tamed, the secret corners of the forest heavy with the scent of many men, and the view of the ripe hills blotted by talking wires, where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone" (Seattle). This quote tells the white man that if they continue to expand the way they do with no regard for nature they will eventually wipe out all traces of it, creating a worse world for the younger generations.
1. The purpose of Chief Seattle’s ironic and belittling comments throughout the letter is to establish his ethos, lack of bias, and to call attention to the stakes of the actions of mankind. He keeps mentioning how “the red man is a savage and does not understand” (364). The establishment of his ethos, in essence, destroys his own credibility, leaving the audience to determine for themselves who to believe. It presents his argument in an unbiased light, and this makes his argument more credible. He accepts that he is “a savage” in order to let the reader decide about the case at hand. Chief Seattle is willing to degrade himself in order to let the audience see that protecting the earth is of the ultimate importance.
ReplyDelete1) I agree with Edwin's comments about Chief Seattle's use of the word "savage" as being sarcastic. It's as if he is saying "well what do I know" after giving sound advice. It is used ironically as well, as the descriptions of white people and Native Americans leave the reader with the fact that the white people are the savage ones. He says "The earth is not [the white man's] brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on" (paragraph 1). This accurate description of many of the white men who expanded westward in the 1800s is sharply contrasted by the description of the beautiful way in which the Native Americans are described in their treatment of nature. He communicates that Native Americans prefer nature to cities by saying that they value "the souft sound of the wind darting over the face of the pond, the smell of the wind cleansed by a mid-day rain, or scented with the piñon pine. The air is precious to the red man. For all things share the same breath-the beasts, the trees, the man" (paragraph 2). From these two descriptions, it is clearly obvious that the savage one here is the white man. Through the use of sarcasm and careful description, Chief Seattle is able to dispel the myth of Native American savagery and show that the real savages are the white people who settled the frontier through force.
ReplyDelete3) Chief Seattle's ecological awareness is evident throughout his letter. He says that "Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (paragraph 3). The white men are destroying the land, animals, and culture of the frontier at a rapid pace, and do not have the foresight of Chief Seattle to see that the destruction of the land, animals, and culture will have long term negative effects. He says, "continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (paragraph 5).
1) Chief Seattle refers to "the red man" as a savage who "does not understand" to show how the white man doesn't understand. he is referring to himself as the white man perceives him but displays wisdom throughout the letter, showing the the white man is the real fool.
ReplyDelete2) "Continue to contaminate you bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (paragraph 5) he uses ecological awareness to show that the white man is the enemy of the land and that the land will someday betray the white man as the white man has betrayed it. He thus implies that the land is on the side of the natives. "For all things share the same breath - the beasts, the trees, the man," (paragraph 2) in this he appeals to the white man to embrace the wilderness and discontinue his abuse of it. He reminds the white man that "Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (paragraph 3), in hopes that the white man will remedy his ways.
1) I think that Chief Seattle keeps making ironic comments and apparently self-disparaging remarks because he wants to show his side of it. He believes that not all tribes understood why the new Americans were taking over their lands and building cities, so he's using himself as an example. He's also in a way getting President Pierce to agree with him. He's getting the president to agree with him (that the red man "is a savage and does not understand" (paragraph 2)), and will therefore be more likely to agree overall with Chief Seattle's other views. I think he is also reducing the blow. Because the President of the United States of America is white and (obviously) American, he would take great offense to some of Chief Seattle's comments, such as "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (paragraph 5). This is a highly offensive statement, but because the Chief has already pointed out that he does not understand, the President may just take it as Chief Seattle's dim-wittedness. Chief Seattle uses ironic statements to both make the President more likely to listen and agree and to soften his many stabs.
ReplyDelete3) "The air is precious...for all things the same breath" (paragraph 2) shows the modern view that clean air is good and polluted air is bad. Chief Seattle proves the point that everything, including people, must breather air. And if said air is contaminated and unbreathable, everybody will die or suffer. "Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (paragraph 3). This quote comments on the fact that whatever we do to the earth we do to ourselves, so if we pollute a stream and make its water undrinkable, we lose a source of water. If we cut down trees, it takes a while for them to grow back. This is a pretty modern view, as in those times, the world was so vast, Americans felt that they would have an unlimited supply forever.
1) I also believe that Chief Seattle refers himself and other Indians as "savages" sarcastically. He makes a good point, but then contradicts it by saying it doesn't matter what he says because he is only a "savage." It is almost like he is looking upon himself as a white man would. For example, in the first paragraph he says that cities "pains the sight of the red man." I believe he referred to other Indians as "red men" sarcastically, because in a white man's eyes they aren't even important enough to be recognized as people.
ReplyDelete3) Chief Seattle uses statements like this throughout his letter. In the first paragraph he says that "the earth is not (the white man)'s brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on." He says this because he wants people to realize that the White Men are having a negative effect on the earth. He uses a similar statement in the 5th paragraph when he says "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste." He is saying that if the White Men continue to act like they are, then they will not last and eventually die out. Both of these are good statements, because they are persuasive.
1. In calling himself and other Indians "savages", Chief Seattle is being sarcastic. He is acknowledging the fact that white people have a complex that Indians are an inferior, uneducated race. In doing so, he is proving the exact opposite. He is demonstrating their harmony with nature, demonstrated by their disregard for big, industrialized cities. Ultimately, he claims that the white men will suffer for their misdeeds, as they are not aware of what the future holds in store for them. He writes, "continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste". Here he says that they are unknowingly digging themselves a deeper hole by industrializing across the nation, and at one point they will finally realize their mistakes but it will be too late by then for them to recover.
ReplyDelete3. Chief Seattle makes similar notes of ecological awareness and displays a more genearlied knowledge of a man way beyond their years. he also writes "For all things share the same breath-the beasts, the trees, the man". This refers to the fact that all three breathe the same air in nature to survive. He continues, saying, "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste". In writing this, he shows that the industrialization should be discontinued as soon as possible because it is harming nature. If they continue to industrialize, they will realized their mistakes too late. Finally, he writes "where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone.". This demonstrates a modernized ecological awareness, because as a result of modern industralization, millions of acres have been destructed, ruining the habitats of many animals in the process. Eagles have become an endangered species in recent years, asserting Chief Seattle's claim.
1. Chief Seattle continually repeats the phrases, "a savage" who "does not understand" to convey to the reader in a bitterly sarcastic way the Indian's inherent understanding. As opposed to blatantly stating their intelligence and incisive understanding, Chief Seattle chooses to imply and assert the Indians' understanding in a less aggressive and overt way. By doing so, President Pierce and other readers are more inclined to decide and conclude for themselves the Indians' mental capacity. In a bitter and ironic tone, Chief Seattle states, "But perhaps because I am a savage and do not understand, the clatter only seems to insult the ears" (2). Clearly by assuming an ignorant and uninformed position in the letter, Chief Savage criticizes the "white man's" obvious and ironic ignorance and inability to truly understand the consequences of their actions.
ReplyDelete3. Chief Seattle's tendency to raise awareness of ecological issues is illustrated through his statement, "[W]hatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected" (3). Chief Seattle reiterates this idea of connectivity between all living things when he explains, "For all things share the same breath--the beasts, the trees, the man" (2). Chief Seattle raises ecological awareness to the fragile balance between the people and the environment, illustrating his keen insight into the fragility of the ecosystem. He goes on to declare, "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (5). Chief Seattle aptly demonstrates the connection between one's actions and the inevitable consequences that follow. He makes a statement about the immortality of the environment we inhabit and attempts to persuade the "white man" to develop a newfound respect for it in order to maintain its natural beauty.
1. Although the comments seem to be self-deprecating, Chief Seattle is using irony to highlight the white man’s lack of understanding. He uses the white man’s language when he calls himself a “red man” and a “savage,” which is obviously untrue considering his knowledge of the land and animals. Repetition of the word “savage” throughout the speech emphasizes this point.
ReplyDelete3. Another instance of Chief Seattle’s ecological awareness is seen when he states, “For all things share the same breath – the beasts, the trees, the man” (¶ 2). Here, he emphasizes the fact that when man contaminates the environment, he is affecting not only himself, but all other living beings. In another example, Chief Seattle posits, “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of earth” (¶ 3). He explains that harming the earth will in turn harm the inhabitants of it – humans, animals, and plants. Additionally, Chief Seattle utilizes a metaphor in warning: “Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste” (¶ 5). A similar message lies in this phrasing – that harm caused to the earth will become harm caused to all creatures living on it.
1) I believe his comments that he is "a savage" and "does not understand" serve two purposes. They convey to the white readers of his letter a sort of submission. Due to the social constructs of the time, the Native American's inferiority was no doubt accepted as fact. By referring to this perception, Seattle allows the President to dismiss his letter, disregard his comments, and disrespect Seattle. While this takes away the value of his value of his letter, it was no doubt the only way to convey anything of importance without angering the white man. The constant reference to himself as a savage also, no doubt, is a way for Seattle to feel better about himself. The slightly sarcastic tone is possibly his way of telling himself that he is an intelligent being, living in a world where he has no chance to be respected as such based on his skin colour. So, basically, by referring to himself as a savage, he is both catering to the white mans racisim, and perserving his self respect.
ReplyDelete3)Chief Seattle comments that "all things share the same breath" (2), speaking both to the bond between all living things, and to the necessity for a clean environment. By showing how all things share in this one thing, air, he is trying to illustrate how they are all related and all deserve respect. He is also trying to convey the importance of the air and the earth. It is not only important to one life form, it is vital to every life form, and if taken away, everything would collapse. He also says that "whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (3), also speaking to interconnection in nature. By this and other comments, Seattle is trying to form a bond between the white man and the earth and its other inhabitants. Perhaps if the reader of his letter feels connected to the earth around him, and understands the necessity for it, he will respect it more.
Sarah Brenneman
1.Chief Seattle's self-disparaging remarks are ironic because although he calls himself a savage, he shows a great amount of knowledge and understanding throughout the letter. He implements this irony as a concession to show the white man's ignorance to the native American's intelligence. Calling himself a "savage", Chief Seattle in a way already predicts what the white men think of the native Americans. However, he is able to weaken their arguments by showing his understanding of the relations between the two cultures in his essay to the President.
ReplyDelete3. Chief Seattle comments that "the air is precious to the red man. For all things share the same breath-the beasts, the trees, the man" (2). This observation's purpose is to show the equality between the native americans and the white men. Chief Seattle knows that white men underestimate their intelligence, yet he declares that the two ethnicities are equal. He makes a similar observation when he states that "all things are connected. whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (3). Here, Chief Seattle also illustrates the equality of the two men.
1. Chief Seattle is being extremely sarcastic. While sending a letter to the president, Seattle is trying to express his view of the white man’s opinions. By claiming that “the red man is a savage and does not understand” (364), the chief explains that he knows what the white man thinks of him and his people. However, Seattle’s main use of the word “savage” (364) is to prove that he and his tribe are not actually savages. According to Seattle, the white man’s view of Indians is flawed, so Seattle mocks their opinion. Seattle raises his own status by imitating the white man’s views of Indians and by calling himself a “savage” (364), whereas he lowers the status of the white man. Mocking someone’s ideas in order to strengthen one’s own ideas could also be considered a form of a concession. Chief Seattle has already predetermined that any white man would disregard his ideas since white men believe Indians to be savages. Thus, by mocking the white man’s view, the Indian chief persuades the audience that the white man’s opinion of Indians is absurd and lets the reader decide for himself whether he thinks Indians are truly savages.
ReplyDelete3. In his letter to President Pierce, Chief Seattle mentions several ideas about ecological awareness. In addition to his connection between beasts and man, Seattle claims that “all things share the same breath – the beasts, the trees, the man” (364). Incorporating asyndeton, Seattle emphasizes how every part of life is connected to other of life’s components. Rather than saying that all things share the same characteristics or purpose, Chief Seattle uses the word “breath” (364), a word that makes all things seem to have a human quality that connects them to every other part of life. Near the closing of his letter, Seattle explains, “Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste” (364). His second ecological reference has to do with the results of certain actions. Even though people do not believe that their present actions will affect them, their actions will affect a portion of people, someday. Again, all living creatures are connected, as Chief Seattle has illustrated in his statement comparing beasts to man. Therefore, any harm to one being leads to some type of harm to another individual.
1. I agree with the majority of these comments that Chief Seattle's use of the word savage has a sarcastic tone. His goal is to show the reader that white men are not as educated and civilized as they appear to be. Seattle makes the white men seem savage when he says, "The earth is not his brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on. He leaves his father's graves and children's birthright is forgotten" (1). His belief is white men have no respect for the earth and are always focused on the next land or people to conquer and because Seattle "is savage" he will does not understand (1).
ReplyDelete3. Seattle's ecological awareness is presented throughout the letter. He states "all things share the same breath" (2) and this shows his belief that everything in nature is connected. He already sees the value in pure air and knows we can't survive without it. Seattle also states that if the white man "continue[s] to contaminate your bed, you will suffocate in your own waste" (5). Again, this shows his belief white men have no respect for their environment and if the air keeps being polluted and white men continue to ruin the earth we will "die in our own waste" (5).
Megan
1. Chief Seattle repeatedly uses the term "savages" to describe his people to highlight the ignorance and xenophobia with which the Americans approached the Native Americans' unique culture. This sassy remark is powerful due to the juxtaposition of the word "savage" with the civilized and formal tone of Chief Seattle's speech. Also, by facetiously saying that Native Americans are savages for not understanding white culture, Chief Seattle is perhaps suggesting that the whites themselves are savages. In Chief Seattle's eyes, it would be an expression of tremendous uncivilized savagery to war against one's own natural world and attempt to subjugate it.
ReplyDelete3. Chief Seattle posits that "all things share the same breath--the beasts, the trees, the man" (2). This continues his theme of environmental inter-connectedness, or "the circle ofe life" (Littlefoot's grandma, "Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists"). Chief Seattle and his people are ingrained in the circle of life and are able to peacefully co-exist with their fellow beasts, trees, and men. However, the white man views the land not as "his brother, but his enemy" (1). Chief Seattle knows that no good can come of such brutal and uncivilized misuse of nature's gifts, and he laments the rapid ascension of the white man, who clearly is not a part of the circle life.
1. Chief Seattle self-degrades him and his own race to create the opposite effect. He emphasizes the red man's ignorance by saying, "But perhaps it is because the red man is a savage and does not understand" (paragraph 1). When in reality the white man does not understand, creating irony. Through displaying wisdom throughout his response, indicating that the white man is actually the ignorant one.
ReplyDelete2. Chief Seattle mentions many examples of ecological awareness throughout his letter. For instance, he says, "The Indian prefers the soft sound of the wind darting over the face of the pond, the smell of the wind itself cleansed by a mid-day rain, or scented with the piñon pine. The air is precious to the red man" (paragraph 2). This just shows how nature and natural beauty are so significant to their culture. He also criticizes the white man by saying, "continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (paragraph 5). This shows how the average white man is not very appreciative of his surroundings.
1. Chief Seattle repeatedly refers to the red man as "a savage" who "does not understand" in parallel to himself. He too states "But perhaps because I am a savage and do not undersand" (paragraph 2), relating himself as a red man. The red men are considered the Indians who "do not" know anything and who are clueless; however, they are proven to be smart through the knowledge that is displayed in Chief Seatle's writing. Since he refers himself as a red man, he proves to the reader his knowledge and understanding of everything, more than the white men. The purpose of such ironic comments is to appeal to the audience that, although the red men seem to be uneducated, they are infact smart and understand a lot more than the white men.
ReplyDelete2. Chief Seattle states many examples of ecological awareness throughout his letter to enhance his claim. His claim is that modern man does not appreciate earth; instead they conquer it and take advatage of it. All life on earth depends on each other, if one life falls, the others fall with it; thus creating a chain reaction. "If all the beasts were gone, men would die from great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man. All thinks are connected" (paragraph 3). Since the white men take things for granted, eventually supplies will run out; thus resulting in a huge problem. Unknowlingly taking advatage, the white men will soon come to the idea of stopping the habit but unfortunately it will be too late. Other examples of ecological awarness enhancing Seattle's claim are: "Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (paragraph 3) and the other "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (paragraph 5). These examples are used to explain the possible causes of taking advantage of the earth. The white men need to learn how to conserve and appreciate the earth just like the Indians do. The white men should learn from the Indians so earth won't result in a huge problem.
1. By calling himself a savage but showing how he is not, Chief Seattle displays how wrong the white man is. He uses sarcasm to show how stupid it is to think that Native Americans are stupid and barbaric. He gives examples of how barbaric the white man is and follows them up with the derogatory statements that the white man makes about the red man, pointing out the irony of these statements. For instance, Chief Seattle says that the white men treat the earth as a "conquered enemy," valuing cities above nature (1). By contrasting this with the red man's view of nature, he shows how barbaric the white man is and how foolish the white man is to say "the red man is a savage and does not understand" (1-2).
ReplyDelete3. Chief Seattle points out mistakes that the white man makes when dealing with the environment. For example, Seattle says, "When the buffalo are all slaughtered, the wild horses all tamed, the secret corners of the forest heavy with the scent of many men, and the view of the ripe hills blotted by talking wires, where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone" (5). He shows how the white men are destroying the earth, and that one day they will have nothing left if they are so myopic as to maintain this self-destructive habit. This argument is effective because it reaches out to the audience's logos - anyone would be able to see how one day Chief Seattle's prophecy will come true if measures are not taken against it. Also, he states, "Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste" (5). This statement, surprising for its time, is similar to the message of the movie "Wall-E": one day the white men will create so much waste that the earth will be nothing but trash. Both the idea and the way it is conveyed is effective - the idea of contaminating one's bed is so repulsive that it emphasizes the problem. Chief Seattle effectively convinces his audience of the ecological aftermath of the white man's actions.
1. The purpose of Seattle refering to himself as a "savage" is to be ironic. This referance is a comment on social situation and how the white man has viewed indians as savages. This increases his ethos and makes an appeal to pathos. "He leaves his father's graves, and his childrens birthright is forgotten" In this statement savage elicits pathos from the reader and then when he states that the indian is savage and does not understand it furthers this appeal to pathos
ReplyDelete3. "continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste." This appeals to modern ideas of ecological awareness and adresses the white man on a subject that he understands. "If all the beasts were gone, men would die from great loneliness of spirit." This quote appeals to pathos as well as logos. It appeals to logos because it shows that logically we cannot survive without animals. It appeals to pathos because it uses such words as loneliness. This word will have a profound emotional effect on the reader.
1) Chief Seattle uses his ironic and sarcastic statements as underhanded jabs at the white man, indicating that they are ignorant for making such silly labels for entire groups.
ReplyDelete2) The editor probably associates native american culture with rhetorical questions, and uses them repeatedly in order to create a sort of appeal to authority based on the mysticism surrounding native American culture.
1. Chief Seattle sarcastically explains that since he is a "red man" that how could he possibly understand. This comment mocks the "white man's" view of the "red man-" how could this "savage" understand- when really it is the "white man" is the ignorant one. By calling the Native Americans "savage" and questioning their ability to understand the "white man," Chief Seattle points out that it is instead the "white man" who is ignorant to the Native American culture. Also, Chief Seattle explains how the "white man" lives, says how it is possible wrong or destructive, and then says that perhaps he cannot understand the ways of the Americans because he is only a "savage." By doing this, he shows that he does understand and that the Americans do not want the "red man" challenging their ways even or especially if they are wrong because they are supposed to be savage while the Americans are supposed to be civilized.
ReplyDelete3. Throughout his letter, Chief Seattle shows a great ecological awareness. For example in Paragraph 2, he writes, "All things share the same breath-the beasts, the trees, the man." This statement is very effective because it connects humans to nature in that they all share the air. Also, perhaps the word "breath" refers rather to the soul than to the air (2). This makes the passage even more effective because it connects humans with nature on a spiritual level. Additionally, Chief Seattle explains, "Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth" (3). Chief Seattle connects what happens to the earth to what happens to humans. He writes that if we ruin the earth, we ruin ourselves. Chief Seattle connects the earth and humans quite effectively to show how people must take care of the earth and its creatures to keep ourselves safe.
-Sarah Milstein
1. Chief Seattle repeats the derogatory title of "savage" when referring to himself or to his poeple to pound in emphasis on the fact that he does in fact understand all of the things that, as he sees it, the government believes that it can get away with with Native Americans through misjudgement of intelligence and an underestimation of the complexity of their way of life.
ReplyDelete3. "For all things share the same breath..." Chief Seattle once again emphasizes human dependence on nature, saying that we need to preserve it our well being. Air is an extremely universal subject for this concept, and could have wide resonance or provoke thought in breathing readers. "Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth". Chief Seattleplaces here a much more implied idea of impending doom, for much has befallen the earth at the hands of the white man.