Language Reflection - To'hajiilee Visit
When we visited the To’hajiilee reservation, I visited the second grade classroom. I sat down with my adorable second grade buddy, and she read me her favorite books. Afterwards, I read her a book and then we hopped around the playground outside. As we were leaving, I realized I hadn’t heard any of the children speak a word of their native language. This visit fits within the pillar of Recognize Perspectives because I began to truly understand concerns that indigenous culture was not being passed down to newer generations. Furthermore, this trip supported the concept of this pillar in that it gave us visitors insight into the way Native children view their own identity and how their language fits in with that. This experience addresses my overarching question in that it shows a paradox in having visitors on a Native reservation. While the purpose of a reservation is to preserve indigenous culture, visiting reservations gives way to a cultural exchange in which key parts of Native culture, such as language, may end up eventually lost.
No Ugg a Wugg... Wha?
In English we read an article in the National Review called “No Ugg a Wugg… Wha?” and completed an analysis on the argument and perspective taken. This activity fits within the pillar of Recognize Perspectives because we analyzed an article that did the exact opposite of recognizing other perspectives. In the article, the author argues that the “Ugg a Wugg” song in Peter Pan is not offensive to Native Americans, and is in fact completely unrelated- the kids are actually singing about diverse childhood friendships. Analyzing this article supported the concept of this pillar in that we identified the merits (and lack thereof) of the author’s perspective and how that perspective may have contributed to a lack of understanding of the real problem with the “Ugg a Wugg” song. This source addresses my overarching question in that it is another example of irony in American-indigenous relations: a white woman claims something is non offensive to a historically oppressed minority she doesn’t belong to.
Konig, Susan. “No Ugg a Wugg . . . Wha?” National Review, National Review, 7 Jan. 2015, www.nationalreview.com/2014/12/no-ugg-wugg-wha-susan-konig/. Accessed 23 April 2018.
Smoke Signals
In English we watched Smoke Signals and discussed in seminar how stereotypes of Native Americans influenced and limited the lives of the indigenous characters. This movie and discussion fits within the pillar of Recognize Perspectives because we realized how it wasn’t only external stereotypes that limit indigenous people, but stereotypes, once internalized, could create the same rifts in a community. Our seminar evolved into a larger discussion of the lack of representation in media of minorities, especially Native Americans, playing diverse roles besides the typical stereotype role. This movie relates to my overarching question in that it shows that our idea of “cooperation,” in which Natives are isolated on (poorly funded) land, and the mainstream public rarely sees indigenous people, may have a reverse effect. That separation, while (somewhat) effective in maintaining indigenous identity, actually can perpetuate some people’s negative stereotypes of Native Americans because mainstream America is so isolated from them.
Smoke Signals. Directed by Chris Eyre, Miramax, 26 June 1998.
The Mission
In English we watched The Mission and discussed in seminar the consequences of Father Gabriel’s goal to set up a mission. Set in the 1750s in South America, the Jesuit Reductions deny natives protection once their land, formerly under Spain, becomes Portuguese territory. To ensure their survival, Father Gabriel builds a mission and converts the native Guaraní population, using religion as a barrier of protection. This film fits within the pillar of Recognize Perspectives because it explores the different motives and turning points in each character's life. In The Mission, character development often sprouts from empathy; for example Mendoza, a former kidnapper of natives for profit, emphatically dedicates the rest of his life to protecting natives after he realizes their desperation and point of view. Furthermore, The Mission supports the concept of this pillar in that it discusses how religion can influence/signify a perspective but also bring various people of different backgrounds together and recognize one anothers’. This source addresses my overarching question in that it depicts a seemingly beneficial relationship between the optimistic, European Father Gabriel and the native Guarani, however the movie has an unfortunate ending for the Guarani. The final battle between European soldiers and residents of the mission is a chilling scene in which native men, women, and children are shot down by the approaching army, leaving only a few child survivors. Ultimately, their collaboration with non-natives, being Father Gabriel, led to the extinction of the Guarani people.
The Mission. Directed by Roland Joffé, Warner Bros, 1986.
American Yawp Discussion
In US History we read a chapter of the American Yawp textbook and discussed it in small groups. We read about the time period of the French and Indian War, while revolutionary ideas were just beginning to gain ground. This activity fits within the pillar of Recognize Perspectives because we discussed the role of Native Americans and how the popular notions of equality and liberty contradicted their oppression. This source addresses my overarching question in that it depicts a sad society in which indigenous people had two options: to (try to) integrate into American society and advocate “liberty” they would likely not even benefit from, or try to preserve autonomy and independence from encroaching settlers. Unfortunately, both of these options, compromise and conflict, would most likely result in discrimination or even violence.
“Chapter 4: Colonial Society.” The American Yawp, The American Yawp, www.americanyawp.com/text/04-colonialsociety/#IV_Pursuing_Political_Religious_ and_In dividual_Freedom. Accessed 21 September 2017.