The use of the term Native American, whether in the open or in private mirrors the ancient and modern systems of ethnic classification in the American society. As a definite descriptor, the term comprises of diverse segments in the American population commonly referred to as Americans of Black origin. The Native Americans have also used this term as a depiction of their individuality, authority, boldness, pride, and clamor for human rights. For a long time, there has been a heated debate between non-white and white Americans over the status of the Native American in the society. This debate can only be understood by looking at various texts written on this subject over the years. The best depiction of race in early American writing is perhaps found in Benjamin Franklins’ Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America. These “Remarks,” which Franklin wrote down in the last quarter of the 18 th century mainly consist of diverse Native American practices such as those dealing with the treatment of visitors, as well as descriptions of interactions between Native Americans and whites. By referring to “Savages,” many people may be led to think that this is another racist attack on Native Americans but in reality, Franklin remarks are designed to challenge the use of the term. In the opening statement Franklin says, “Savages we call them, because their manners differ from ours, which we think the perfection of civility. They think the same of theirs” (Franklin 1). In this statement, Franklin observes that whites think Native Americans to be an uncivilized lot. In order to disapprove this theory, he goes ahead to suggest that all cultures show signs of “civility and rudeness” and in the paragraphs that follow, presents several portions of evidence showing that Native Americans’ behavior is often civil and logical. While attempting to do so, Franklin openly presents the whites as the uncivilized and illogical lot by the manner in which they receive visitors. Apart from presenting the Native Americans as civilized people, Franklin cleverly presents them as obedient compared to their white counterparts. This is seen when he says, “there is no force, there are no prisons, no officers to compel obedience, or inflict punishment” (Franklin 2). This could only be used to mean that whites are the disobedient lot, which apparently needs prisons and law enforcers to punish the offenders amongst them. It is indeed ironical to note that the whites treat Native Americans as though they are insolent people who are bound to cause problems given a slight opportunity. When an Indian goes to Albany to conduct some business, his host treats him in a hostile and cold manner. This hostility is also evident in the members of the local church where the Indian goes with his host who apparently refuses to discuss anything business on the day when they “meet to learn good things.” It is indeed ironical to note that while Hans had initially agreed to give four pounds for the Native Americans’ Beaver, he changes his position after the meeting and says that he can only offer “three shillings and six pence.” According to the Native American, this does not come as a surprise to him since it only comes to “confirm his suspicions” that the meeting where the white people are supposed to learn good things is indeed held to