The treatise by Benjamin Franklin, titled Remarks concerning the Savages of North America, sought to challenge the persisting notions of the time about Native Americans being uncultured and savage. It was a myth perpetrated at the time by colonists in regards to the indigenous populations of America. The concept itself was born from a lack of trust and respect towards natives. Franklin (2014) argues that no man and no nation is bereft of civility. He highlights some of the examples demonstrating native concepts of politeness, courtesy, and respectable behavior.
I agree with the premise of your post that Franklin was a revolutionary thinker of his own time, and my inspection of his writing proved that. The first example given by Franklin seeks to demonstrate the notions of politeness and respect towards others and their words. A notable example was that natives, in general, never sought to answer an important proposition on the same day (Franklin, 2014). That way, they showed respect by not treating the matter lightly.
Another example included silence when other people spoke, and allowing them to consider what else they had to add after the speaker was done. Finally, natives exercised politeness by not showing open doubt, contempt, or disdain for other peoples’ words, even if they did not take them seriously (Franklin, 2014). It was curious to learn that this particular notion of politeness confused the missionaries, making the spreading of Christianity harder.
Based on the evidence above, I can see how Franklin challenged the assumption that natives were somehow lesser or incapable of virtues of his own nation. He also stated that, in many instances, they proved themselves superior in politeness and virtue compared to the colonists, who held them in disdain (Franklin, 2014). In so doing, Franklin (2014) showed remarkably progressive thinking. His essays helped demonstrate a common nature between colonists and natives – something that had often been denied by authors, who sought to portray the locals as something less than human.
Reference
Franklin, B. (2014). The Papers of Benjamin Franklin. Yale University Press.