Appes and Emerson:: && That's What I Believe

It's always nice to get other people's perspectives, thoughts and ideas on certain topics or issues. The assigned readings were just that. They were not stories with characters or plots. They were "personal narratives" on a particular topic. In both works of literature, the authors took a stand on a topic and elaborated, either through examples from other works, quotations, or real life scenarios.

I truly enjoyed reading Appes' piece, "An Indian's Looking-Glass for the White Man". Being that I am a woman of color, I could relate to many of the thoughts that he proposed in his piece; but "relateability" is not where my enjoyment came from. I enjoyed reading this piece because, unlike other author's who have attempted to argue why racism is wrong, Appes did not just say, "all men should be created equal". He took something important, the bible, and used its teachings to back his statements. It is clear the Appes is talking to people with Christian values so challenging them with the idea that, "if black or red skins or any other skin is disgraceful to God, it appears that he has disgraced Himself a great deal - for He has made fifteen colored people to one white and placed them here upon this earth" is far beyond thought provoking. By stating this, Appes does not blame the people for their ideas on racial discrimination, but instead, he brings it to their attention that by being racist, they are calling God, whom they worship and love, disgraceful. This piece, to me, was profound and thought provoking on so many levels. I can only imagine the reaction it received when it was written.

Emerson's piece, in my opinion, not as interesting, but it is also, not a story. Emerson discusses the ideas and thoughts on what it means to be an "American Scholar". I did not read the background on Emerson, but I am sure that I am right to assume that his biographical background explains a lot on why he believes in what he has written. Emerson does not give any hard evidence. He makes claims and suggestions. But there is nothing backing it up. I will admit, because his opinions are logical and well thought out, one could agree with his thoughts. On the other hand, who is to say that an American Scholar isn't that "average guy"? Emerson states that "man is not a farmer, or a professor, or an engineer, but he is all". Given the time period in which this piece was written, I believe that it is very safe to say that he was not referring to "every man".

Both pieces expressed good ideas backed with logic. They cannot be compared in "content" but in style. Appes has examples, hard evidence, especially if those who he is trying to persuade are Christians; so his work, in my opinion has a much stronger argument. Emerson uses persuasive language. He tries to make the reader believe that he is the one creating the ideas and thoughts for himself. But for those who do not agree with him, he has failed because one could quickly argue, "where is your evidence?"

Either way it's their own personal opinions and that's what they believe.