Ellis focuses more intensively on the plight of the slaves than that of the Indians, but he does point out that Washington addressed their situation with the suggestion that they abandon their hunter-gatherer way of life and assimilate themselves into the general population as farmers [p. 159]. Was this a viable solution, or merely a pragmatic one? What other solutions might have been offered at the time?
Please re-post, including what YOU think the answers to these questions are. Then someone here will be happy to critique your work. Be sure to clarify who "Ellis" is.
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Ellis, in his work, focuses more extensively on the issues faced by slaves compared to those faced by the Native Americans. According to Ellis, George Washington suggested that the Native Americans abandon their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle and integrate into the general population as farmers. This raises the question of whether this suggestion was a viable solution or simply a pragmatic one.
To evaluate the viability of Washington's suggestion, it is crucial to consider the context of the time. In the late 18th century, agriculture was perceived as a more civilized and sustainable way of life compared to hunting and gathering. Therefore, from a pragmatic standpoint, assimilation into farming communities might have been viewed as a logical step towards stability and progress.
However, it is essential to recognize that this solution disregarded the cultural identity, traditions, and autonomy of the Native American communities. The suggestion of abandoning their traditional way of life and assimilating into the general population could be seen as a disregard for their heritage and a threat to their distinct cultural practices.
Alternative solutions that could have been offered at the time might have focused on promoting mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation between Native American tribes and the emerging American society. Efforts such as negotiated treaties, territorial autonomy, and cultural preservation could have been explored to protect the rights and interests of Native Americans without forcibly assimilating them.
In conclusion, Washington's suggestion of assimilation into farming communities for Native Americans was pragmatic in terms of addressing the immediate concerns of stability and progress. However, it disregarded the cultural autonomy and traditions of the Native American communities, which raises questions about its long-term viability as a solution. Alternative approaches could have focused on respectful coexistence and preserving the cultural identity of Native Americans while addressing the challenges of the time.