Question

Discussion Question: "Although some European observers believed that Native Americans embodied freedom, most reached the conclusion that Native Americans did not know what freedom was because they were 'too free.' On what basis did they make the claim?" In light of this supposed reality, I'd like you also to compare and contrast European values and ways of life to that of the Indians. Be sure to look at religion, views on property ownership, gender relations, and views of freedom." - From Eric Foner, Give Me Liberty, Page 44.

Answer 1

They make this claim because they thought Indians were "too free" because they didn't live under an established government and do not have any established laws and therefore have no respect for any authority.

It is pertinent here to note that European values and way of life was very different from that of Indiana in many ways. As far as religion is concerned , Europeans believed in Christianity only whereas Indians believe in spirituality and supernatural powers, for them there are many gods serving different purposes . And that's what Europeans believe that Indians were worshiping false gods and there is no concept of multiple gods and they are wrongly idolizing inanimate things. As far as property is concerned European believes in real ownership of property, ownership of specific land whereas indians believe that lands are not owned by anyone as long as they are cared by someone and thus thus the rights on that land use to lie with caretaker of the land itself . As far as marriage is concerned , Europeans believed thst husbands are the head of the households and the women were not permitted to be involved in the decision making whereas in India it was normal for the women to have more independent roles. Women also had various rights like ability to divorce, ability to own property, they were also engaged in premarital sex.