Mr Barlow.—Not in the least. When they hear that there are no seals to be caught in other countries, they say that they must be wretched in
deed, and much inferior to their own. Besides, they have in general so great a contempt for all Europeans, that they have no inclination to visit the countries which they inhabit.
Tommy.—How can that be? How can a parcel of wretched ignorant savages despise men that are so much superior to themselves?
Mr Barlow.—This is not what they are quite so well convinced of. The Greenlanders, for instance, see that the Europeans who visit them are much inferior to themselves in the art of managing a boat or catching seals; in short, in everything which they find most useful to support life. For this reason, they consider them all with very great contempt, and look upon them as little better than barbarians.
Tommy.—That is very impertinent indeed; and I should like to convince them of their folly.
Mr Barlow.—Why, do not you look upon yourself as much superior to your black servants; and have I not often heard you express great contempt for them?
Tommy.—I do not despise them now, so much as I used to do. Besides, sir, I only think myself something better, because I have been brought up like a gentleman.
Mr Barlow.—A gentleman! I have never exactly understood what a gentleman is, according to your notions.
Tommy.—Why, sir, when a person is not brought up to work, and has several people to wait upon him, like my father and mother, then he is a gentleman.
Mr Barlow.—And then he has a right to despise others, has he?