Just a note on my use of the term "hypocrisy". I recently started a
substack "stack" of essays (if my meager efforts can be termed such),
one of which was a bit about Twain and Rogers' investment in the United
Fruit Company. They made an unscheduled stop at the company's
plantation in Jamaica. They were so impressed with the operation that
they bought stock. This investment was inconsistent with Twain's
expressed views on imperialism, ergo hypocrisy.
On 6/16/25 12:45, Alan Kitty wrote:
> Hypocrisy is just a word implying a change of heart - unless you are a member of Congress. In that case, it has long been used as part of a strategy aimed at getting you fired.
>
> It takes time and reflection to change a point of view. As a social scientist, playwright, actor and lifelong presenter of Twain-based programs, I see him as a citizen subject to social and cultural influences. In his earlier years, he must have been influenced by the American strategy to realize the dream expressed by the intertwined Monroe Doctrine and Manifest Destiny. We demanded a villain. Few, including the young Sam Clemens, could shield themselves from the influences of scapegoating, dehumanization, and justification that filled books, journals, and newspapers of the day for a half century.
>
> He was a Republican who supported Democrats when necessary. That sounds like hypocrisy to some; patriotism to others. To that point he wrote“Patriotism is supporting the country always and the Government when it deserves it."
>
> Though he singled out Christians for their proselytizing ways which decimated native populations, he also skewered religion writ large. In his grief following the death of Olivia, it might be argued that he turned against God.
>
> Changes of heart reflect experience, which changes us all.
>
> Memes notwithstanding.
>
> Alan Kitty
>
>> On Jun 16, 2025, at 1:13 PM, Scott Holmes<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>
>> I noticed that Twain may have experienced some slight change of heart about Native Americans. I would ask Kerry Driscoll directly but I don't have an address. Anyway, I note in a letter, February 26, 1909, to his daughter Jean, he writes "That poor old Geronimo! I am glad his grand old patriot heart is at peace, no more to know wrong & insult at the hands of the Christian savage." At least that is what David Fears documented for that date. I can see that this may have more to do with Twain's aversion to "Christians" than to a recognition of the humanity of Native Americans.
>>
>> I remarked on this some weeks ago on the social media platform Reddit and the response I received was one of surprise that Twain may have had any kind of change of heart about "Indians". His biases, inconsistencies and downright hypocrisies are very much unknown amidst the deluge of memes that may or may not have Twain as originator.
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> /*Unaffiliated Geographer and Twain aficionado*/
>>
>> Visit B. Scott Holmes<https://bscottholmes.com>
>> Twain's Geography<https://twainsgeography.com>
--
/*Unaffiliated Geographer and Twain aficionado*/
Visit B. Scott Holmes <https://bscottholmes.com>
Twain's Geography <https://twainsgeography.com>
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