Journal 5# The theme highlighted in Apess' and Sigourney's work

To date, the readings of this American Literature class have provided us with great insights as to the manner in which the native Indian are confronted with the issue of injustice, lack of equality and sheer discrimination. This is a recurring theme, as we recall how the symbol of American identity promises “world-wide welcome” (Lazarus 7)- but in reality, this act of open arm remains a dream harbored by many. We find ourselves being thrown with the harsh reality of how Native Americans are forcefully stripped off from their homes, their land, crops, way of life, status, and basically- the right to be treated as an equal human being. In this world where the white dominates, colored skins are sidelined and regarded like second-class citizens, side-kicked and robbed off the opportunity to have a say.

This cry for equality, is also reflected in both Apess’ “An Indian’s Looking-Glass for the White Man and Sigourney’s “Indian Names”. Apess draws upon the notion that no Man has the right to dictate who is superior and assume supremacy. The one person who is the creator of mankind and worthy of all praise is God. If God himself does not brand people with ranks based on the superficiality of their skin tone, who are we to do so? Also, seeing that God created Man in his image, and chose to make “fifteen colored people to one white and [place] them here upon this earth” (Apess 642), how does that indicates that God has a lesser regard for the colored people? Everyone is made in God’s image, and to have a disregard for any single soul is by extension, looking down on God himself. Since this is not the case and the bible teaches us that everyone is equal in God’s eye, why does injustice prevails? Sigourney further lobbies for justice, by highlighting how the Native Indians are here to stay, as they are as much as “noble race” (Sigourney 2), as any other races can claim for themselves.

In this persistent plea to attain equality, we can see the unwavering strength and perseverance of the Native Americans, as showcased in Sigourney’s poem. Regardless of all that has been inflicted upon them, “ye may not wash [them] out” (Sigourney 8). This, can be thus seen as an sense of triumph, that some day in future, fairness will actualized.