Throughout both passages, "An Indian's Looking Glass for the White Man," and "Indian Names," there is a common theme describing how the Native Americans of that time were treated poorly, given unfair rights, and discriminated against. Apess's story reflects much about his own heritage and how he was actually part Native American himself. Growing up with a white father and Indian mother (although his parents split), he has had a great interest in the "history and rights of Native Americans." His story explains how he believes Indians should have the right to be treated equally. He was a minister so he mirrors a lot of what the Bible says. He believes that no man should be affected by the color of one's skin color, because God would never be disgraceful towards someone who had black or red skin. He also talks about the white men's cruelty towards the Indians and how they "robbed...murdering their women and children," and deprived them of their lawful rights in which they deserved.
In Sigourney's poem, "Indian Names" we also see a theme supporting Native Americans. She too was raised in a devoutly Christian home which I think is maybe connected to why both authors have reflected the same feelings towards Native Americans. She talks about how Natives were "brave" and a "noble race" in which whites have killed off. Her poem conveys that Natives were spread out all throughout the country from Kentucky to Missouri and were the first people in this country. She also talks about how their memory will always be remembered and names on our waters, that won't washout, even though "ye destroy their dust."
Sadly, these two passages reflect the way in which Natives were treated poorly and killed off. But it is encouraging to see people who think so highly of the Indians, having Cherokee Indian in my myself.
I really enjoyed reading your blog about this topic, since you have Cherokee in your lineage it shows how you can relate to both of these passages. I also enjoyed how you connected the two passages by the use of a christian background from both of the authors. I agree with you on that fact that the Native Americans were being treated horribly but that in the poem and in the passage you can feel a sense of hope for the Native Americans of any tribe. The poem by Sigourney, as you pointed out, connects our American past with that of that Native American's because we use a lot of their names for our rivers and other places in American landscape. In the end, I really enjoyed your post because it made great connections between us and our Native American counterparts.
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