1851-1866

Who were the real savages?

Why? [3 examples]

- #1 For many years, America has committed numerous atrocities against the culture and people

that have lived on the continent for many years before us. Even as Christopher Columbus first

discovered America, thats when the inhumanity began. One of the first examples that comes to

my mind is when american officials offered Native Americans food, clothes, shelter, and land, as

long as they moved to a reservation that was designated for them. To the natives, this seemed like

a wonderful opportunity to safely maintain and raise their tribe, without having to worry about

the dangers from white men. But as soon as they got there, theyd realized theyd been tricked.

Instead of getting deliveries of flour to help make food, the bags were filled with sawdust. The

man in charge of this operation made tens of thousands of dollars from stripping away their

means of survival in favor of personal gain. Hundreds of children and adults starved throughout

the winter because of this greed. It wasnt only the lack of food, but their shelters were more like

shantytowns. Their clothes were made from rags, and they couldnt grow anything on the soil. In

this situation, the only savages were the men preventing entire families from getting what they

need, and letting people starve and die without regret.

- #2 Acts of savagery dont always have to include death and war, in some cases. For example, the

Wild West Show by Buffalo Bill. In this show, he portrayed the real acts between soldiers and

native american people protecting their land. Thousands, even up to a million people would wait

in lines for hours to see this biased show. It starts with native americans raiding a wagon full of

supplies, and Buffalo Bill saves the day. This happens numerous times within the show, and

each time the bad guys are native americans. Every time, the hero is Buffalo Bill. It inaccurately

portrays how life actually was in the West. it glorifies it, and paints it in a patriotic color. So that

even if someone were to oppose it, they would simply be disregarded and pushed aside for siding
 with the Native Americans. They even went so far as to invite a native american himself to have

him watch the show and briefly participate in it for money. It was a blatant act of disrespect

towards the culture.

- #3 The most savage act of them all, in my opinion, is the Sand Creek Massacre. Accurately

named, tells the story of how a treaty was signed between Native Americans and American

cavalry men. Native Americans were supposed to stay in their part of the land, use it how they

may, while the 600-some soldiers were meant to stay within their borders. There was not

supposed to be any overlap or drama, except for occasional trades. Although, not far after the

treaty was signed, these 600 men went to the village and killed women and children. The bodies

were mutilated and the village was burnt down. There are different counts to how many people

actually died, but it was a tragedy as much as it was a portrayal of the lack of humanity and

respect towards Native Americans. Anyone who says that Native Americans were the true

savages, hasnt heard the true stories of how America wronged them, when we shouldve been

on their side. Its sad to see history repeat itself, even today.