Main Messages Conveyed to the Indians by Clarks Address - Essay ExampleIt is evidently clear from the discussion that the language Clark uses in addressing the Indians is significant. He refers to them as “childrenâ€. This was done to establish a position of authority over them. He indicates that the Great Chief would take care of them, just like a father would care for his child, but only if they are obedient to the Great Chief. In modern times, this type of speech would be considered very demeaning if directed from one culture to another. In defense of Clark, he probably was mimicking the type of speech he thought the Indians would understand and react to in a positive manner. The researcher states that some of the Indians probably did react in a positive way to Clark’s message. The lure of more luxury items and better housing would have been a great incentive for some Indians. But other Indians would have been resistant to the message. Not all Indian cultures were the same. Some place a greater value on acts of bravery and warfare than on having luxury items.
