Travel Essays · Chapter
Despised Races explained
Stevenson reflects on the prejudice and mistreatment of Chinese immigrants and Native Americans by white Americans during his train journey across the continent.
What happens
Stevenson reflects on the prejudice and mistreatment of Chinese immigrants and Native Americans by white Americans during his train journey across the continent. He contrasts the ancient civilization of China with the baseness of his fellow passengers, condemns the historical injustices against Native tribes, and critiques the hypocrisy of those who claim to love freedom while advocating for racial exclusion.
Themes in this chapter
National Identity and Patriotism
Stevenson critiques the misuse of American ideals of freedom to justify racial exclusion and hatred.
Human Connection and Community
The lack of common thought or empathy between passengers of different races highlights the failure of human connection across cultural divides.
Social Class and Inequality
The economic competition and racial hierarchy that dehumanize Chinese laborers and Native Americans are central to the chapter.
Characters to notice
- The Chinese
Observed with respect and wonder; their ancient civilization and cleanliness contrasted with the prejudice of fellow passengers.
- Indians
Seen at way stations, degraded and stared at; their historical dispossession and suffering lamented by Stevenson.
- The Americans
Fellow Caucasian passengers who exhibit baseless hatred and ridicule toward the Chinese and Native Americans.
- Mr. Dennis Kearney
Referenced as the vulgar Sandlot orator calling for arms against the Chinese, misusing the name of freedom.
Key passages
“They travel by steam conveyance, yet with such a baggage of old Asiatic thoughts and superstitions as might check the locomotive in its course.”
Though they ride modern trains, the Chinese carry with them ancient ideas and beliefs so profound they could almost halt the engine.
Stevenson marvels at the coexistence of ancient Chinese civilization with modern American technology.
“If oppression drives a wise man mad, what should be raging in the hearts of these poor tribes, who have been driven back and back, step after step, their promised reservations torn from them one after another as the States extended westward.”
If injustice can make a wise person furious, imagine the anger felt by Native tribes who have been repeatedly displaced and cheated of their lands as America expanded.
Stevenson condemns the systematic dispossession of Native Americans.
“They declared them hideous vermin, and affected a kind of choking in the throat when they beheld them.”
The white passengers called the Chinese disgusting pests and pretended to gag at the sight of them.
Stevenson highlights the irrational and theatrical racism of his fellow travelers.