An Indian's Looking-Glass for the White Man

I really did enjoy reading An Indian's Looking-Glass for the White Man. It was refreshing to read something so straight forward. His words were plain and simple. I wish all writings could be so straight forward. Apess purposefully spoke with power and simplicity. Apess obviously was passionate about the subject. Apess spoke up for all people who are treated with inequality in a time that it was widely accepted. I question myself, would I be that brave and stand up for what is right? I hope so. What did the people of his time think about him condemning their life styles? Did he change their minds about treating other humans so poorly based on looks? I imagine his words were felt strongly by those who listened to him or read his words.

                Apess used many quotes and examples from the bible to prove his point. Most of his readers were probably Christian and believed in the bible. I would assume that his readers were deeply impacted when they read the familiar verses he quoted. Were his word meaningful enough to change the way people acted? I don't know what immediate impact Apess had on improving inequality. I do know that he inspired other and is admired today for standing up for equality.

                Apess knew the bible well and quoted it frequently. Another major factor that added to the power of his sermon was his ability to reason. "If black or red skins, or any other skin of color 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". Apess was very good with his words. I do not believe anyone could read his words and deny that treating others so poorly was against Christian teachings.   

                I would have enjoyed listening to Apess give a sermon. He spoke with power. He was not afraid to speak harsh words when no one was on his side. Apess was a brave man. If he were alive today he would be excited about the improvements we have made as a society. I do not think he would be completely satisfied. We do not suppress entire races or people of certain colors. We do not treat everyone with love and kindness. The world today would benefit if we all treated each other with a little more equality.