Plz can u explain me chief seattle speech
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Answer:
Environmental degradation and its effects on climate change were matters of deep concern to the Native American chief and he begins his speech with a direct remark on it. He discusses at length the various negative impacts it can have upon the human civilization and how man can suffer if proper precautions are not taken. The speech also includes a few endearing tribal legends and tales based on Mother Nature and how she has been a constant source of guidance and wisdom to all from the very beginning. The wise Chief points out all the aspects through which Nature has sheltered the humans and provided sustenance to all living beings. Then the text takes on a dire turn and the speaker admonishes the modern civilization for not showing due respect to nature and for ruthlessly exploiting the unrenewable resources. This is where he puts forward his opinions regarding the ecological responsibilities we all have towards Nature and here he also mentions the Native American land rights for which he was fighting with the Imperial authorities. The chief pleaded with dignity that the hostilities shown by the White Americans should end so that they can all live in peace and harmony together. With sad regret he accepts the fact that due to plague and famine, the tribal people have suffered a lot and are now much less in population. Keeping this fact in mind, he even proposes that the White Chief should look after the Native Americans and protect them like their own. The indigenous people should also abide the rules of the Whites and live within the territory marked for them. The chief recognises the Governor’s offer of friendship as an act of kindness because, in plain fact, the imperialist government is far too powerful and the smaller indigenous tribes are no match in front of them. If they want their land, they can very easily take it from them through force. Nevertheless, the speaker, with great determination and courage decides to not accept the White Chief’s offer and come to terms with the land treaty because as inevitable as it may seem, it was an act of treason against Mother Nature for him to do so. This is why Chief Seattle refuses to comply with Issac Steven’s proposal despite having the understanding that he was fighting for a lost cause. Chief Seattle, with absolute courtesy, thanks the White Chief, which is the Governor, for extending a hand of friendship towards his tribe but also warns him about the future consequences of the land treaty proposal. The author then goes on to symbolise the truth of his words by comparing them to the eternal stars. Hence, he says, that just like the unchanging stars in the sky, his words too shall remain true till the end of time. In the next half of the speech, Seattle makes a positive statement for the Whites by saying that their proposition regarding the land treaty was not unjust and they were within their boundaries because they were respectable enough to ask when they simply could have invaded their lands. Nevertheless, the Chief was still apprehensive about the tribal lands being misused and exploited which would be detrimental for the delicate ecological balance that had been preserved by the Native Americans for thousands of years. The tribal leader also requests the Governor to allow his people to visit the graves of their ancestors as and when they wished. With this recourse Chief Seattle ends his speech with a final entreaty that his people be treated with justice and kindness under the White man’s reign.
It is long but it is important you understand!!!