Red Jacket vs. Tecumseh

Red Jacket and Tecumseh's speeches both show rejection to Christianity and the white man's arrival to America.  They both begin by talking about how accepting and welcoming the Indian's forefathers and the Great Spirit were to the White man when they first arrived to America.

From Red Jacket: "We took pity on them, granted their request; and they sat down amongst us.  We gave them corn and meat; they gave us poison in return." (pg. 514)

From Tecumseh: "They were feeble; they could do nothing for themselves.  Our fathers commiserated their distress, and shared freely with them whatever the Great Spirit had given his red children." (pg.516)

However, Red Jacket and Tecumseh differed on how they handled their reactions to the white man.  Red Jacket did not judge Christians, but instead only really questioned their actions.  He seemed to be very opened minded about their religion and even stated that he was willing to listen to what they [Christians] had to say; even though it was obvious that he was still going to reject their religion.

"We will wait a little while, and see what effect your preaching has upon them.  If we find it does them good, makes them honest and less disposed to cheat Indians, we will then consider again of what you have to say." (pg.515)

Tecumseh, on the other hand, reject the white man in everything he does and says.  They are not friends to the Indians, they are enemies; therefore, the Indians must fight back.

"Who are the white people that we should fear them?  They cannot run fast, and are good marks to shoot at: they are only men; our fathers have killed many of them: we are not squaws, and we will stain the earth red with their blood" (pg.517)

Both Red Jacket and Tecumseh give great speeches that get to the point, effectively show their dislike for the white man's arrival and religion, and support all their reasonings for their dislike of them.  Tecumseh was a little more violent and graphic when giving his speech, and Red Jacket was a little nicer and open minded; however, both speeches were very effective.


Works Cited:

American Tradition in Literature, Twelfth Edition. George and Barbara Perkins. McGraw- Hill, 2009.
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