Sara Winnemucca

Jacki Procter
English 48B
Feb. 1, 2008
Journal #1 Sara Winnemucca


Quote:
“Yes, you, who call yourselves the great civilization; …covenanting with God to make this land the home of the free and the brave…you rise from your bended knees and seizing the welcoming hands of those who are the owners of this land, which you are not…your carbines rise upon the bleak shore, and your so-called civilization sweeps inland…leaving its pathway marked by crimson lines of blood…”

Summary:
Sara Winnemucca is speaking of the hypocrisy of the civilized christians and how they slaughtered her people and coveted their land.

Response:
It is total hypocrisy because christians aren’t supposed to commit mortal sins – thou shall not kill and thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s goods -- yet that is what they do for the advancement of their civilization. Great civilizations are measured by their intellect and innovation -- they perceive themselves as being superior to the Piutes and other natives because the natives live off the land and aren’t formally educated in the civilized world of teas and crumpets. The Piutes have a deep respect for other people as well as nature -- this quality actually makes them more spiritual than the “christians” because the christians do not follow the tenets of their religion.

It seems like the prerequisite of being civilized is to conquer or be conquered; however, it is not in the Piutes’ nature to behave this way, which is why they were unprepared -- at first. They welcomed the visitors and treated them with kindness by sharing what they had without expecting to be recompensed. The invaders accept the Piutes generosity, as well as help themselves to what they want, leaving a path of death and destruction.
They kill off their tribes and take their land. The wicked heathen savages that survive the slaughter are enslaved and forced ot convert to christianity . It was widely accepted during this period -- it’s the christian way. It seems like “home of the free and the brave” means, bravely go forth and conquer, and by the way, feel free to take what you want – possessions or people -- take your pick -- Now, “Let’s praise God!”