Word Minimum Response To Each Writing Prompt Below You Must
250 Word Minimum Response To Each Writing Prompt Belowyou Must Meet
Franklin and Red Jacket both support and defend the Native Americans. What arguments do they make in common? What prompted the writing of each piece? Do you find both authors reliable? Why or why not? Using :Red Jacket biography (p. 229) from "Reply to the Missionary Jacob Cram" (pp. ) Benjamin Franklin Biography (pp. ) "Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America" (pp.) Thomas Paine Biography (pp. ) from Common Sense (pp. .) Thomas Paine's Common Sense is an argumentative essay. What argument is Paine making? How does he structure his argument? What do YOU think is his most persuasive point and why? NOTE: You MUST include the exact quote that you found the most persuasive.
Paper For Above instruction
Both Red Jacket and Benjamin Franklin present compelling arguments in defense of Native Americans, emphasizing their humanity, moral integrity, and the injustices they face from European colonizers. Red Jacket, in his reply to missionary Jacob Cram, argues passionately that Native Americans possess spiritual and moral qualities comparable to, if not surpassing, those of Europeans. He defends their way of life, asserting that Native Americans are capable of virtue and that their customs are valid and valuable. Red Jacket states, “The Great Spirit made us all; he made the white man and the red man, and he made us to live together in harmony” (Red Jacket, p. 229). His motivation appears rooted in defending his people's culture and challenging the missionary narrative that sought to convert and diminish Native traditions. Similarly, Benjamin Franklin, in his “Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America,” challenges the European stereotype of Native Americans being uncivilized. Franklin notes that “the fine manners and great virtues of the savages” demonstrate their moral uprightness (Franklin, p. X). Franklin’s writing was prompted by a desire to reform European perceptions and to highlight Native virtues often ignored.
Regarding their reliability, both authors demonstrate personal insight and genuine concern. Red Jacket’s articulate defense stems from lived experience and cultural authority, making his perspective highly credible. Franklin’s observations are based on his interactions and observations, though somewhat influenced by Enlightenment ideals. While both are reliable within their perspectives, critical readers should recognize their biases. Franklin, for example, has an interest in framing Native Americans favorably to promote a vision of moral equality, while Red Jacket’s advocacy aims at cultural preservation. Overall, their works are valuable for understanding Native American perspectives from different contexts, but should be viewed with an awareness of their personal and cultural biases.
Turning to Thomas Paine's “Common Sense,” Paine makes a powerful argument for American independence from Britain. His central claim is that it is “common sense” for colonies to sever ties with a distant and oppressive monarchy and establish their own government (Paine, p. X). Paine structures his argument logically, beginning with the moral and practical reasons for independence, then addressing counterarguments, and finally appealing to the colonists’ sense of liberty and justice. His most persuasive point, in my opinion, is when he declares, “The blood of the slaughtered innocent waits for the blood of the guilty” (Paine, p. X), emphasizing the moral urgency of rebellion and justice. This emotionally charged quote underscores the legitimacy of resistance against tyranny, making a compelling case for independence grounded in morality and self-interest alike. Paine’s clear, direct, and passionate style effectively mobilized colonists toward independence, which is why his argument remains influential today.
References
- Red Jacket. (n.d.). Reply to the Missionary Jacob Cram. In Biography of Red Jacket. p. 229.
- Franklin, B. (n.d.). Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America. In Benjamin Franklin Biography.
- Paine, T. (1776). Common Sense. In Thomas Paine Biography.