1/31/2013
The Last of the Mohicans, is a great movie taking place in 1757 during the French and Indian War.
Watching the first fifteen minutes , the movie introduced Native Americans , Indians , British while mentioning the french, Scottish and different tribes. Languages that were spoken were, English, French, Mohawk and Huron. The relationships among the British are very demanding towards each other, while on the other hand the Native Americans enjoyed each others company and seemed to care more for one another.
During the movie while the British were traveling they were attacked by Indians; as the Native Americas were very observant of their land noticing there was company in their woods. Hawkeye, Uncas and Chingachgook come across the attack and was able to save Duncan, Cora and Alice ; British characters. One can see not every tribe was friendly with each other for one reason or another, however for obvious reasons they each had different schedules upon their life and responsibilities.
Native Americans and American Indians I believe are stereotyped still to this day. Stereotypes such as having dark eyes, skin, and braided dark hair. They are believed to be very spiritual people that paint their face and dance by fires with burning incenses.
As generations pass, heritage will always remain in our hearts and blood. Whether a Native American or American Indian decides to marry inside the native culture or outside, this can prove any stereotype false.
1/31/2013
After watching the video of an Indian sharing and speaking of a life changing memory; I was distraught.
Andrew Windyboy spoke of attending two boarding schools in South and North Dakota during the mid 60's to early 70's. Right away, one could see the painful emotion that struck his life at the time, and continues to haunt him. While attending boarding school he was not allowed to speak his native Indian language or act his native ways. He was picked on and laughed at constantly; he didn't know any other language. he said, " they made me wear a big red hat, and wear it all over". Tears pour down his face as he keeps sharing these moments, my jaw drops with a loss of words while listening. "I lost my voice as an Indian", he said and that he could only remember how to say his name. Its so sad that history of his language was taken by people who didn't have a care in the world for who he was as a person. Indians happen to be usually a very spiritual culture, and is so upsetting to know his connection feels disconnected, "when I talk to my spirits they don't talk English, they talk Indian", he said.
I don't understand where some peoples heads are, and how they can live with themselves treating a human being with such disrespect. These people degraded him and made him feel less of himself, to the point where all he knew was to make everyone around him happy and do as they say. He was in the moment, and that's where most people are I believe. This could be why we make our mistakes and regrets as we get older and wiser. I was always told by my father, "what you do now, will always effect your future". Your memories and life is worth more than anything someone else wants to make of you. This Indian man is in my heart forever, and seeing his tears..my heart bleeds for him.
