Background Information and Thesis
When America was still in its early years, Indians had a socioeconomic status less than that of a black person -- that is unless they became assimilated tax payers. The U.S. government toyed with them like puppets for years as America expanded west, forcibly securing them in federally controlled reservations under the guise of protecting them. By the mid 1800’s, all Native American tribes resided west of the Mississippi River on reservations due to the Indian Removal Act signed in 1830. Relationships between Indians and the government had been strained at best for decades. The government didn’t view Indians as human, which, in turn, made them think they could simply relocate the tribes whenever they pleased …show more content…
It was a shock to all present. Standing Bear stood and held out his hand, waiting for the room to fall silent. When the absence of noise became present, Standing Bear directed his vision and words to Judge Dundy and calmly stated “That hand is not the color of yours; but if I prick it, the blood will flow and I should feel pain. The blood is of the same color as yours. God made me and I am a man.” He continued delivering his speech against the government to Judge Dundy, and the awe on the spectator’s faces only grew as he went …show more content…
He stood up for what he believed in, and in this case, fought for what was right and refuted people in the wrong. Standing Bear was passionate and dedicated to please others and show respect, especially when his only son passed away and requested for his bones to be laid to rest among those of his fellow deceased Ponca members. Standing Bear’s perseverance and determination demonstrated his principles, especially as he was fighting for his freedom. The case outlined the future of equality for Native Americans as the United States continued to expand westward and more and more tribes as well as members were introduced to the new land. Since the early government officials of America declined to trade off on the privileges of Native Americans, a 1879 court case conveyed the contention to its zenith, bringing about the administration's acknowledgment of Native Americans as a person, with every one of the privileges of any
When America was still in its early years, Indians had a socioeconomic status less than that of a black person -- that is unless they became assimilated tax payers. The U.S. government toyed with them like puppets for years as America expanded west, forcibly securing them in federally controlled reservations under the guise of protecting them. By the mid 1800’s, all Native American tribes resided west of the Mississippi River on reservations due to the Indian Removal Act signed in 1830. Relationships between Indians and the government had been strained at best for decades. The government didn’t view Indians as human, which, in turn, made them think they could simply relocate the tribes whenever they pleased …show more content…
It was a shock to all present. Standing Bear stood and held out his hand, waiting for the room to fall silent. When the absence of noise became present, Standing Bear directed his vision and words to Judge Dundy and calmly stated “That hand is not the color of yours; but if I prick it, the blood will flow and I should feel pain. The blood is of the same color as yours. God made me and I am a man.” He continued delivering his speech against the government to Judge Dundy, and the awe on the spectator’s faces only grew as he went …show more content…
He stood up for what he believed in, and in this case, fought for what was right and refuted people in the wrong. Standing Bear was passionate and dedicated to please others and show respect, especially when his only son passed away and requested for his bones to be laid to rest among those of his fellow deceased Ponca members. Standing Bear’s perseverance and determination demonstrated his principles, especially as he was fighting for his freedom. The case outlined the future of equality for Native Americans as the United States continued to expand westward and more and more tribes as well as members were introduced to the new land. Since the early government officials of America declined to trade off on the privileges of Native Americans, a 1879 court case conveyed the contention to its zenith, bringing about the administration's acknowledgment of Native Americans as a person, with every one of the privileges of any