6. Do you find it curious that Budinot, an educated and highly assimilated Cherokee, would
argue for removal in the name of preserving the Cherokee people? What does he fear if
the Cherokee remain? What does this say about his attitude towards his own people? To
what extent does his opinion of the prospects for Cherokee and whites living together
coincide with Jackson’s
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elias_Boudinot_(Cherokee)
To understand Budinot's argument for removal and his fear for the Cherokee people, as well as his attitude towards his own people, we need to analyze historical context and examine his views.
To research Budinot's perspective, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by researching the historical period known as the Indian Removal era. This era took place in the 1830s and was marked by the forced removal of Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, from their ancestral lands in the Southeastern United States.
2. Look for primary and secondary sources that provide insights into the beliefs and motivations of various individuals involved in the Indian Removal, including Budinot. Primary sources such as letters, speeches, or articles written by Budinot himself will be valuable in understanding his viewpoint directly.
3. Study the context of assimilation and education among the Cherokee people during this time. Educated and assimilated Native Americans might have adopted certain ideologies of the dominant white society, which influenced their perspectives on assimilation, cultural preservation, and the relationship between Cherokee and white people.
4. Analyze Budinot’s arguments for removal. Determine the reasoning he presents to support the idea that removal would preserve the Cherokee people. Look for any specific fears or concerns he expresses about the consequences of the Cherokee remaining in their current location.
5. Consider Budinot's attitude towards his own people. Assess whether his argument for removal reflects a belief in the superiority of white culture, a desire for self-preservation, or a combination of both. Look for evidence in his writings that sheds light on his perspective.
6. Compare Budinot’s opinion of the prospects for Cherokee and whites living together to Jackson’s views. Examine the extent to which their perspectives align or diverge on the issue of coexistence. Look for similarities or differences in their beliefs about assimilation, preservation of culture, and the potential outcomes of Cherokee-white relations.
By conducting research and examining primary and secondary sources, you can gain a deeper understanding of Budinot’s argument for removal, his fears for the Cherokee people, and his attitude towards his own people. Comparing his views with those of Andrew Jackson, the President at the time, will provide additional insights into the political and social dynamics of that period.