Franklin’s Argument in “Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America”, Essay Example

Franklins first contact with the native Indians prompted him to write the essay ” Remarks concerning the savages of North America ” , probably in the early 1750’s. ” Savages we call them, because their manners differ from ours, which we think the Perfection of Civility; they think the same of theirs. . . . Perhaps, if we could examine the Manners of different Nations with Impartiality, we should find no People so rude, as to be without any Rules of Politeness; nor any so polite, as not to have some Remains of Rudeness. ” (Johansen, 1982)

Franklin often used the term savages, in order to describe the native Indians. This was not such a derogatory term as it later became in the 20th Century. Franklin used it more in the sense to describe a race of peoples that were different from the white man.  Franklin went on to describe the inner workings of the Indian Councils and in particular the Iroquois tribes. He was to describe them as being more efficient than the British Parliamentary system. He contrasted the young men with the native Indians saying that the young men educated in the schools of Europe were essentially ” good for nothing”, whereas the Indian living in the Forests with nature learnt to be resourceful and master the environment resulting in a more resilient person.

Franklin was impressed with the Indian Councils because they were based upon public opinion and a council  of wise men .. “All their Government is by Counsel of the Sages; there is no Force, there are no Prisons, no officers to compel Obedience, or inflict Punishment.” (Johansen, 1982).  Franklin was also impressed by the hospitality of the Iroquois to their guests – they offered free food, lodging and clothing, contrasting this to the inhospitality amongst many of the closed community Euro-American villages.  Franklin also commented on the extreme good manners of the Indians. They avoided disputes and listed carefully to what was said, often giving tacit approval. This was particularly noted with the Missionaries who tried to convert the tribes to Christianity. They would eagerly listen to what was being said but in reality they did not necessarily agree as it was custom to be polite in the presence of others.  Franklin contrasted the incivility of the Europeans with that of the Indians. When Indians came into contact with the European villages they were stared at and made to feel uncomfortable. When Europeans ventured into the Forests and the Indian land, the native Indians would hide as opposed to imposing themselves or making demands on the Europeans.

Franklin commented on the rudeness and impoliteness of the newcomers, particularly when engaging in conversation. The Missionaries were particularly singled out as being narrow minded, only wishing to convert the Indians without appreciating or understanding their culture “What I delivered to you were sacred truths; but what you tell me is mere fable, fiction, and falsehood.” The Indian, offended, replied “My brother, it seems your friends have not done you justice in your education; they have not well instructed you in the rules of common civility. You saw that we who understand and practice those rules, believed all your stories; you refuse to believe ours?” (Franklin, 1784)

In evidence Franklin quoted the Treaty of Pennsylvania in 1744 between the Government of Virginia and the treaty of 6 Nations.

Works Cited

Franklin, B. (1784). Remarks Concerning the savages of North America. In B. Franklin, Remarks Concerning the savages of North America.

Johansen, B. E. (1982). Forgotten Founders, Benjamin Franklyn. In B. E. Johansen, Bruce E. Johansen . Ipswich MA: Gambit.