I'm very glad we got to discuss the American Indian genocide this week. I think it often gets swept under the rug so often because it occurred quite a long time ago, but more pointedly, because it is one that was perpetrated directly by Americans. We don't often like to think about the awful things we ourselves have done.
It's funny you mention the close resemblance between Sr. Leopolda's name & King Leopold. I'm actually reading Adam Hochschild's book "King Leopold's Ghost" in my African History class with Dr. Fiddler right now. I've done projects on the Congo in the past as well. Leopold exploited the jungles for natural resources through the use of what amounts to slave labor, as the only individual who owned an African colony. That's right, the colony was not owned by his nation of Belgium, but by him personally. Leopolda's actions are certainly similar to those perpetrated in the Congo. Under the guise of Christianity and civility, Leopolda seeks to remove all traces of Marie's Indian-ness. Being Native American in itself was viewed as a default by Leopolda, and so Marie needed to become more like the white Christians of the world. This is the best example from the week of psychological genocide. It would be difficult to maintain one's identity in the face of the world telling you that you aren't good simply because of who you are, but Marie is able to find redemption through Leopolda's great errors & shame.
Powwow Highway provides the best examples of economic & social genocide. Economically, Buddy Red Bow's quest to shut down the mining operation is a symbol of the Native American's struggle to gain footing in a nation that has ripped land from them & forced them to live in arid, desolate regions. He is a shining example of economic genocide, as he is a war hero, clearly a smart man, but he can't even afford a car for transport. The Native American population is very poor, whereas they once presided over vast stretches of crops and wild buffalo that could support entire tribes for generations, until the intervention of their white oppressors. Philbert Bono's strength of character as a spiritual man contrasts with Buddy's turning away from his Indian heritage. He wants what Buddy has, a record as a warrior, but is unwilling to depart from the traditions of his people to get it. This is dignified, as Philbert refuses to let the social genocide occur within himself. The same cannot be said of Buddy or his sister, as he has lost such faith, and she does not educate her children in the slightest about the Cheyenne nation. Philbert provides hope that the social aspects of Indian culture won't die out, while Buddy & his sister offer a less optimistic picture.
It is a shame that the American Indian population was decimated so badly. Their exemptions from the Constitution, were they to exist in much larger numbers on lands that were of greater use to them, would provide a very interesting side-by-side nationhood here in the United States. Instead, the Indian Nation is still in a mode of recovery after all these years. They must battle to discover & keep their very identity, & to hold on to any economic strengths they still maintain.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, I never knew that there was an American Indian genocide in this magnitude. It is such a shame that we want so much control that we almost do anything to gain it. Why is it that we can not all work together to accomplish great things, but work against one another? I have never felt so negatively about my Catholic religion, until reading St. Marie and seeing the experiences she had to encounter by the nuns. We as Catholic are suppose to accept all kind, not discrimminate against them. You bring up many good points in your blog, it was great reading.
ReplyDeleteActually Native American Genocide is still occurring. Look at the data for illness, alchoholism, illiteracy, murder, and suicide on America's Indian reservations. Also, the mining company in P W H is exploiting Indian natural resources for privat profit. YOu make some very persuasive points, and I am glad the King Leopold is being outed for the tyrant and killer he was.Tell Wendi that Puritan doctrine taught the early N.E. settlers that the Indians were working for Satan to destroy the new colonies. That doctrine allowed settlers to kill Indians and drive them off the land, so that God's City on the Hill could be created.
ReplyDeleteJonathan, Thanks for the expanded information on Leopold. It lends credence to the author’s sense of history in her use of the name Leopolda for the nun in her story,and also in connection with the lecture. When we read it is amazing to think of all the information that is unwritten that can make a story so much more meaningful;especially knowing that connection. At the same time, It also makes me realize the more I learn, how much more I just really don’t know. But the process is great.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is a shame that the original inhabitants of this land were treated so severely and their populations, and lifestyles were decimated. What an awesome thought to think how different our country would be if we would have allowed and appreciated their contributions from the start. Our nation’s mindset definitely would have been enhanced by their outlook and their appreciation of nature. It makes me think “Green” wouldn’t just be a catch word for a world that has been being destroyed. It just would have been a way of life from the get-go to live in moderation, and care for the world around you and its creatures-especially the human ones. Interesting point.