Red Jacket Research Paper

Sagoyewatha commonly known as Red Jacket was an outstanding orator born in New York and according to many, Red jacket was a fervent defender of the Native Americans. Several documents assert that Red jacket was very forceful and extremely vocal when it comes to defend the religious values the Native Americans against the invading oppressors. It must also be noted that Red jacket was one of the most brilliant orators of his time. Red Jacket praised the Native American culture, religion and other customs. He eloquently reject the superiority of the foreign values s imposed at them when he stated the following “Brother, the Great Spirit has made us all; but he has made a great difference between his white and red children; he has given us a different

complexion, and different customs; to you he has given the arts; to these he has not opened our eyes; we know these things to be true.” Red Jacket argues for equality when he stated that “Great Spirit has made us all, but He has made a great difference between his white and red children. He has given us different complexions and
different customs” Red Jacket views of the white community was not the best and condemn their behavior with the strongest terms possible when he stated that ““white people are like poisonous serpents”
Furthermore, Benjamin Franklin also rose as an important defender of the Native Americans. Like Red Jacket, Franklin undertook important actions to protect and defend the Native Americans when they needed it the most. Benjamin Franklin also believed that differences in views, religion and ethnicity were amongst the major element of dissention between the whites and the non-white. While Red Jacket arguments are centered on religious influence and the power of high spirits protecting them, Benjamin Franklin, claimed the opposite and believed that change can be influenced by government actions.
It’s important to acknowledge the contribution of both individuals in the understanding of the conflicts and the state of the land at that time. However, I do think Benjamin Franklin arguments seem to be more credible as he appeared to have a broader and more balanced views of the situations that occurred. Red Jacket’s positions and arguments are more emotional and too centered on spirits with a lack of a strong and balanced logical explanation. Benjamin franklin appeared to have possessed a better understanding of the issues and offered a path to coexistence or freedom.