Governor Ratcliffe, the antagonist in Disney’s “Pocahontas,” is a character whose traits are best left unimitated. His actions and personality serve as a cautionary tale of what not to do. As the saying goes, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Let’s delve into the 15 bad traits of Governor Ratcliffe that we should avoid.

1. Greed and Avarice

Governor Ratcliffe’s insatiable greed for gold drives his every action. He famously declares, “This is my land, and I will find gold here if it kills me.” His obsession with wealth blinds him to the value of human life and nature.

2. Arrogance and Pride

Ratcliffe’s arrogance is evident in his belief that he is superior to the Native Americans. He states, “These savages are nothing but obstacles in my path.” His pride prevents him from seeing the worth and wisdom of others.

3. Disrespect for Nature

Ratcliffe’s disregard for the environment is clear when he orders the destruction of the land in search of gold. He says, “Dig, boys, dig till you drop.” His lack of respect for nature leads to environmental degradation.

4. Manipulative Behavior

Ratcliffe manipulates his men into believing that the Native Americans are their enemies. He proclaims, “They are savages, barely even human.” His deceitful tactics sow discord and fear.

5. Lack of Empathy

Ratcliffe’s inability to empathize with others is shown when he dismisses the suffering of the Native Americans. He coldly remarks, “Their pain is not my concern.” His lack of compassion makes him a heartless leader.

6. Authoritarian Leadership

Ratcliffe rules with an iron fist, demanding absolute obedience. He commands, “Do as I say, or face the consequences.” His authoritarian style stifles creativity and dissent.

7. Prejudice and Racism

Ratcliffe’s prejudice against the Native Americans is evident in his derogatory language. He refers to them as “savages” and “barbarians.” His racism fuels conflict and hatred.

8. Selfishness

Ratcliffe’s selfishness is clear when he prioritizes his own desires over the well-being of his men. He declares, “I will have my gold, no matter the cost.” His self-centeredness endangers everyone around him.

9. Ignorance

Ratcliffe’s ignorance about the Native American culture leads to misunderstandings and conflict. He refuses to learn or understand, saying, “I know all I need to know.” His closed-mindedness is a barrier to peace.

10. Cowardice

Despite his bravado, Ratcliffe is a coward at heart. When faced with danger, he hides behind his men, saying, “Protect me, you fools!” His lack of courage undermines his leadership.

11. Dishonesty

Ratcliffe’s dishonesty is evident in his false promises to his men. He assures them of riches, saying, “Gold for everyone!” His lies erode trust and morale.

12. Exploitative Nature

Ratcliffe exploits both the land and the people for his gain. He views everything as a resource to be used, stating, “Everything here is mine for the taking.” His exploitative nature is destructive.

13. Lack of Accountability

Ratcliffe never takes responsibility for his actions. When things go wrong, he blames others, saying, “It’s their fault, not mine.” His lack of accountability is a sign of poor leadership.

14. Short-Sightedness

Ratcliffe’s short-sighted pursuit of gold blinds him to the long-term consequences of his actions. He fails to see the bigger picture, saying, “Gold is all that matters.” His lack of foresight leads to ruin.

15. Inflexibility

Ratcliffe’s inflexibility prevents him from adapting to new situations. He insists on his way, saying, “My way or the highway.” His rigidity stifles progress and innovation.

Governor Ratcliffe’s traits serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and power. As we reflect on his character, let us remember the words of John Smith: “We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools.”

What other traits do you think are important to avoid in a leader?

————- DID YOU KNOW? ——————-

My dad and I wrote a chapter book. (55+K words!)  Please take a look! 

5 friends get lost. With unexpected help from new friends, they must find:

• themselves
• one another
• their way back home

… all while ‘they’ are watching.

It’s true-to-life. No magic, fantasy, time warps. And there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter for parents and kids … or for reading groups.

Please take a look.

Bill Belew has raised 2 bi-cultural Japanese-American kids, now 37 and 33. He and his wife are now parenting a 3rd, Mia, who is 8, 9, 10 …  now 11!