Enemies Quote by Isabella Bird
“The Americans will never solve the Indian problem till the Indian is extinct. They have treated them after a fashion which has intensified their treachery and 'devilry' as enemies, and as friends reduces them to a degraded pauperism, devoid of the very first elements of civilization.”
About This Quote
Source Book: A Lady's Expedition to the South Seas, 1880
The quote suggests that the American approach to Native peoples is destructive, treating them as both enemies and degraded friends, leading to their cultural extinction.
In simple terms: American policies harm Native peoples, causing cultural loss.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and change harmful policies.
Themes
colonialism
racial injustice
policy failure
Mood
somber
critical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- education reform
- community advocacy
- historical reconciliation
Key Concepts
cultural genocide
systemic oppression
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policies be reshaped to empower Native communities?
- What responsibilities do non‑Indians have in this process?
A Different Perspective
The statement may oversimplify complex histories and ignore agency of Native peoples.
![“I want to get rid of the Indian problem. [...] Our objective is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic and there is no Indian Question and no Indian Department.” quote by Duncan Campbell Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5f/duncan-campbell-scott-90950_absorbing_i-want-to-get-rid-of-the-indian-problem_1546260.jpg)
