Takaki-Chapter 2

Ronald Takaki concludes in chapter two of A Different Mirror that the English belief of Indians being savages was based on race, and led to the racialization problem that we have in America yet today. Although the Irish were viewed as savages as well, the Indians were viewed as a different kind of people whereas the Irish were viewed as only a different degree of people. Takaki states that this racialized savagery “set a course for the making of a national identity in America for centuries to come.” (44)

Takaki begins the chapter by stating how the Irish were viewed as being savages in the eyes of the English. The English believed the Irish lived outside of civilization. He states how they were viewed as being lazy, barbarous beasts. The Irish were not permitted to wear English clothing, purchase land, or serve in office. The English were very brutal towards the Irish, burning their crops and villages during war. However, the English did believe that the Irish could improve and become civilized through nurture. The difference between the two, Takaki states, was cultural. Takaki then moves on to the Native Americans. They were a much different story than the Irish. The Indian savagery was based on race rather that culture. Indians were viewed as evil and savage based on the color of their skin. Although many tribes were kind to the colonists, they were treated horribly. Takaki gives the readers many examples of the terrible ways in which the Indians were treated. Accounts such as 120 Indians being killed by poisonous wine during a peace talk by the white men. The English believed the Indians were wasting the land they were on and therefore thought that they could push them off. The colonist justified their actions by demonizing the Native Americans. The English finally came to the conclusion that they were a different kind of people and incapable of changing.

Although Takaki’s facts are correct, I believe he is leaving one part of the story out. Indians were not viewed by all Englishmen as savages. In fact, many admired the Indians and looked to them for knowledge. This is especially true of medical knowledge. I learned in History 205 that the Native Americans possessed a wealth of knowledge concerning plants and their medical applications. The English were amazed by this and were eager to learn from the natives.

Overall, I see Takaki’s argument as being very valid. He comes to the conclusion of this savagery being racialized very logically and with numerous examples and facts. I also agree with his statement on how this cultural construction set the course for the making or our country’s national identity.