History of North America

Why would the writings of colonists not be a good source for understanding Native American views?

The writings of colonists would not be a good source for understanding Native American views because the colonists were often biased against the Native Americans. They saw the Native Americans as inferior and uncivilized, and they often depicted them in a negative light in their writings. Additionally, the colonists were not always accurate in their observations of Native American life and culture, and they sometimes misinterpreted or misunderstood what they saw. As a result, the writings of colonists can provide a distorted and incomplete view of Native American views.

Here are some specific examples of how the writings of colonists can be biased against Native Americans:

* Colonists often described Native Americans as being "uncivilized" or "savage." This was based on the colonists' own cultural values, which they believed were superior to those of the Native Americans.

* Colonists often portrayed Native Americans as being violent and warlike. This was often used as a justification for the colonists' own violence against the Native Americans.

* Colonists often described Native Americans as being lazy or unproductive. This was based on the colonists' own work ethic, which they believed was superior to that of the Native Americans.

* Colonists often misinterpreted or misunderstood Native American religious beliefs and practices. This was due to the colonists' own religious beliefs, which they believed were the only correct ones.

* Colonists often exaggerated or lied about the number of Native Americans they killed or displaced. This was done to make the colonists' own actions seem more justified.

As a result of these biases, the writings of colonists can provide a distorted and incomplete view of Native American views. It is important to be aware of these biases when reading the writings of colonists, and to seek out other sources of information about Native American history and culture.