Since you, my classmates and professor, don't know me yet, I should tell you that this speech hits home for me. As a reformed Catholic, too much of the Christian dogma, practice, and record of historical abuse leave me with a sour taste in my mouth. Despite having found a "higher power" for my own life, one that gives me serenity when I seek it, I still am prone to judge those who attempt selfishly to force, coerce, or sway others into buying what is being sold.
Thus, I found it difficult to read this selection without sensing real sarcasm on behalf of Seattle. Of course, my impression may be completely wrong, but as a cynical bastard I am quick to spot my own kind. Granted, Seattle speaks from a darker place than I can imagine, having witnessed the genocide of his own tribe and hundreds of others across the rapidly settled American continent. Still, the blatant "you are mistaken about God" response is both beautiful and biting:
"But how can that ever be? Your God loves your people and hates mine. He puts his strong arm around the white man and leads him by the hand, as a father leads his little boy. He has abandoned his red children."
"No, the white man's God cannot love his red children or he would protect them."
"Your God is prejudiced."
These statements are cunning and fierce; they can only be received coldly. Seattle knowingly stabs a ceremonial dagger into the heart of those who believe that the Christian God is loving and tolerant. He makes an argument that a loving God, by any name, should support all mankind and never play favorites. God is in the land, the sea, and the wind, treats all men fairly and equally, lives in mystery and can only be tested in love--yet some choose to place their faith in a God of hate, a God who separates race from destiny, a God who chooses some to be loved more than others.
Seattle recognizes the destruction of his ancestry and the limitation of his progeny by settlers bent on destruction and domination, then grudgingly accepts the relegation of his peoples to isolated, desolate reservation lands, yet he still musters one final offensive salvo. I use my own interpretation here, with some misgiving, but this is what I hear in the desperate closing lines: Sleep well, hypocrites, and know that death begets death--and the dead never sleep.
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4 comments:
I just have to say that, while I generally am a jolly person at the core, your sarcastic interpretations and side-comments are wonderful. They add a certain kick to the reading that most people could overlook. It's similar to when watching an action movie, and the protagonist has some sarcastic comment that breaks the villain's powerful sense of glory. You just want to jump off the couch and yell "Right on!" And in response to your comment, I concede that the blanket statement was maybe just that, but with good cause: I meant the overall inherent honesty in the native tribes was amazing, thus the people, though I acknowledge not all of the tribes were inherently honest.
What you pointed out was another example of how "God" chooses teams. Watch any sporting match, listen to any political speech (there are so many to choose from these days!) and each will evoke the support of this deity. Seattle suggests that "his" god is somehow kinder, less judgemental than the white man's. But isn't that the claim of every relgion? My god is better than yours?
Woody,
I am glad that you have discovered a few tolerant religious folks, but I'm afraid that they are still outnumbered by those who feel that their alligance to their particular brand of "god" is a reason for ostrasizing, de-valuing or even killing those who don't agree. The following article from today's New York Times illustrates just one more example of such behavior. I know that this occurred in a country that seems far distant in miles and ideology from our own, but the thinking is not at all different from many extremist groups that exist in our country today...and are currently being pandered to by the GOP! (Sorry, but I couldn't help but get a little political dig in there). Check this out:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/world/asia/04christians.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin
You know i don't know you because we only have had two classes. But i can tell you have a sense of sarcasm. Thats why i believe you may have understanding this story in way that other people have not. I love how you pointed out that Seattle is being fierce the way he talks about their god. Your final line about the dead is marvelous. Very well written.
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