Franklin vs. Apess

I read Benjamin Franklin's piece first and at first found it inspiring. He speaks about several ideas that America was built upon. His quote, "...America, where people do not inquire concerning a stranger, what is he? but, what can he do? If he has any useful art, he is welcome; and if he exercises it, and behaves well, he will be respected by all who know him," was one that really spoke to me. That is the idea that fostered hope for many people searching for a place where they would be able to live, relatively well off, off their skills and trade. However, I next read William Apess' piece and realized Franklin's words as somewhat hypocritical. Apess writes well and makes a clear and rational argument against the racial discrimination in America. He says, "I know that many say that they are willing, perhaps the majority of the people, that we should enjoy our rights and privileges as they do. If so, I would ask, Why are we not protected in our persons and property throughout the Union?" He calls this injustice. I would have to strongly agree with him. While Benjamin Franklin was undoubtedly intelligent and a huge part of our country's early history, he also carried with him the racial prejudice of the time. He, and many others like him, claimed that the most important thing in America was working hard and adding to the young country's growth. However, basic human rights were refused to all people of color and women. If you weren't a white male then did your skills not exist? Apess also says, "Now I will ask if the Indians are not called the most ingenious people among us. And are they not said to men of talents?" I just found it interesting that talents from anyone not meeting the criteria (white male) were ignored and shunned.

What kind of racial prejudices regarding skills do you still see in the United States today?