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Language and Culture, 2008.
This paper compares two articles on the cultural significance of language; "Decolonizing the Mind" by N'gugi wa Thiong'o and the "Intellectual Savage" by Jamake Highwater.
1,088 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper examines two articles, "Decolonizing the Mind" by N'gugi wa Thiong'o and the "Intellectual Savage" by Jamake Highwater. The paper explains how the articles discuss how language becomes the means through which a cultural reality is transmitted, thus controlling language is one means by which colonial usurpers can control self-imagery and self-awareness. The paper is of the opinion that both articles do a commendable job of highlighting the inter-relationship between language and culture.
From the Paper
"In her article, "Decolonizing the Mind," N'gugi wa Thiong'o writes about her childhood speaking Gikuyu in her native Africa. In particular, she devotes time to recollecting how, as a small child, she listened to tales about how the weak hare could outwit the beasts of prey - the lion, the leopard, and the hyena - and stay alive in a hostile world. Not to be overlooked, she comments at length upon the different types of human beings who emerged in anthropocentric tales and how some were cruel, selfish and opposed to all that might foster a stronger community, and how others were kind, giving and individualistic; in assessing the narrative, it is evident that Ngugi wa Thiong'o is comparing the beasts of prey with colonizers eager to take over her native land. More than that, those stories impressed upon her the power of language - its cadence, rhythm, inflection, its suggestive power - and how language could bind a community together. Later though, this harmony would be broken when Englishmen took over the school system and made it a serious penalty for any child to be speaking the native Gikuyu language instead of the alien, oppressive English of the colonizers."
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History of Coffeeville, 2008.
This paper looks at the history of Coffeeville in Mississippi.
1,569 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the history of the region surrounding Coffeeville, Mississippi in the north central portion of the state is long and varied. The writer points out that though the region has what some might consider an ideal climate, European settlement of the region was quite slow, and the Native American tribes that were already established there--such as the Choctaw and the Chickasaw--remained unmolested well into the 18th century. The writer discusses that subsequent treaties and elimination of these tribes from the region hastened the formation of Mississippi as a state and the incorporation of Coffeeville as an important urban center in the development of Mississippi.
From the Paper
"But the early growth and development of the Coffeeville region would be truncated by the beginning of the Civil War, which had disastrous results for the separatist Confederacy. Union armies ultimately marched through the South and destroyed much of the railroad infrastructure that had been built. Nonetheless, there were some victories for the Confederacy in the region. The Battle of Coffeeville, an ambush of Grant's forces, was a decisive turning point in the advance of Grant's forces through the South, dramatically altering Grant's plans to advance on Vicksburg and had a major impact on the outcome of the Civil War. All of these major historical developments--from native inhabitants to early settlement to the Civil War--have had a significant effect on the character of Coffeeville, Mississippi and its surrounding environs."
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Indian Child Welfare, 2007.
An analysis of the problems associated with the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and possible solutions to the problems.
1,534 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Indian child welfare in Oregon in the United States. It particularly discusses the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), which regulates placement proceedings involving Native-American children. It looks at the benefits of the law, as well as the problems associated with it, such as the lack of proper enforcement. The paper then discusses how these problems can be remedied.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, the Indian Child Welfare Act was passed into law in 1978 because the federal government recognized that it was necessary to reestablish tribal authority in Oregon and other states in cases involving the adoption or removal of Native American children from their homes. The ICWA was considered necessary because a very high percentage of Indian families had been broken up by non-tribal agencies because state officials did not understand or accept Indian culture."
"In order to remedy this, the ICWA established minimum standards for the removal of Native American children from their homes and assured tribal participation in court proceedings. But in Oregon and many other states, establishing clearer guidelines is necessary so caseworkers can formulate plans that conform to federal ICWA standards and thus ensure that the intent of the federal Act is fulfilled, and the rights of Native American children and their families are protected."
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Tecumseh and Tribal Unity, 2007.
A look at Indian leader Tecumseh and what tribal unity under his leadership would have meant for American expansionism.
975 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Indian leader, Tecumseh, and his goal of uniting the Indian tribes into a powerful Indian nation capable of ending American expansion westwards. The paper discusses how the focus of American policy makers, on Canada and Royal Navy seizure of American sailors on the high seas on the eve of the War of 1812, prevented most of them from realizing that the Indian tribes on the frontier were the greatest threat to future American expansion.
From the Paper
"Ultimately, the potential path of the United States in regard to this Indian Nation may have been similar to how we dealt with Spanish Florida, or it may have resembled our approach to dealing with British Canada, or it may have been patterned after our policies in the Mexican Southwest. Spanish Florida had been incorporated into the United States through treaty and purchase, British Canada had not been acquired at all, and the Mexican Southwest had been taken by winning the Mexican War and demanding territorial concessions."
"In dealing with Tecumseh's tribal nation, the United States would have had the option in coming decades of expanding through brute military force as it had against Mexico, of seeking new territorial acquisitions through treaty negotiations and purchase agreements with Tecumseh as had been the case with Spanish Florida, or of conceding that expansion would be stopped, as had been the case with British Canada. Which option would have ultimately been pursued would have depended primarily upon Tecumseh's ability to keep the tribes united under his leadership."
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Racism in Native-American Literature, 2007.
This paper offers a comparison and contrast of racism and inter-racial marriage as seen in "Grass Dancer" by Susan Power and "Mean Spirit" by Linda Hogan.
983 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes the racism inherent within the institution of marriage within the two novels "Grass Dancer" by Susan Power and "Mean Spirit" by Linda Hogan. The paper discusses Hogan's use of racism against Native-Americans through the marginalization of Indian culture by whites who discourage inter-racial marriages. The paper also demonstrates how Power reveals a similar aspect of the broken and racist institution of marriage through the experiences of Jeanette McVay's marriage to a Sioux man. The paper concludes that both authors provide similar, yet differing perspectives of racism within the inter-racial marriages that arise within these two Native-American fiction novels.
From the Paper
"The novel Mean Spirit by Linda Hogan reveals the intensive racism that the whites impose on the Osage people. The plot of the novel revolves around the Osage people, and their struggles against the white oil barons that are trying to remove them from their oil-rich lands. This plot premise invokes the motive for the white oilmen to find ways to discourage compassion or empathy for the native Americans within their own culture, so that they can take the oil from the Indians. One way that Hogan imposes a white hegemonic racist construct is through the institution of marriage. For instance, when a white man and Indian woman are married, Hogan reveals the symbolic and legal marginalization of interracial relationships within white culture."
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"Native Knowledge for Native Ecosystems", 2007.
A review of Robin Wall Kimmerer's article, "Native Knowledge for Native Ecosystems".
1,070 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly reviews Robin Wall Kimmerer's 2000 article, "Native Knowledge for Native Ecosystems" and highlights the article's main points as well as how it approaches the broad concept of ethno-ecology. More importantly, the paper also touches upon how the article approaches the linkage of local and/or traditional knowledge of ecological systems with academic and/or scientific knowledge of those same systems. Finally, the paper discusses the significance of the aforementioned linkage as it pertains to the future of human beings in the global ecosystem.
From the Paper
"Simply put, Kimmerer's argument is that Native Americans intensively cultivated the land so that it would provide them with sufficient foodstuffs to brave the grueling winter months. While modern-day efforts to restore the ancient biological vitality and bio-diversity of the American woods and ecosystems is a laudable goal, it is not possible without also considering how the natives were able to so successfully manage the world around them. In effect, Kimmerer argues that modern-day conservationists must "heal" their relationship to the land and understand the land spiritually and emotionally as well as intellectually. Less abstractly, Kimmerer states that twenty-first century man must adopt the "site-specific" or "diachronic" knowledge which well-served Native Americans in the past and which lends itself to successful local site restoration. "
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Pontiac's Rebellion, 2007.
This paper describes the Native-American uprising against the British, 1763-1766.
2,247 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the 1763-1766 uprising of the Native-American forces who, led by Chief Pontiac, sought to prevent further British expansion. The paper describes the uprising in detail and how it led to the Proclamation Act of 1763 and to a temporary peace between the British and the Native-American populations. The paper discusses how although this peace was short-lived, the effects of Pontiac's rebellion were that Native-American peoples in North America discovered power in cooperation and a means to combat future British expansion.
From the Paper
"During the French and Indian War, which lasted from 1956 to 1963, the Indian tribes of the Ohio Valley in North America fought side by side with French soldiers to prevent British expansion across Pennsylvania. For the Native Americans, life under French rule had been relatively problem free, in that the Native Americans were in possession of their lands, and did not lose rights to resources, services, or cultural tradition. Their condition actually improved due to the additional services, tools, and resources provided by the French trading posts established in the region."
"However, at the close of the French and Indian war, and with the victory of the English, the Treaty of Paris in 1963 gave all French lands in North America to the British. Word quickly spread to the Ohio Valley that the tribes who had fought next to the French were now expected to turn their loyalties over to George III of Britain and fall under British rule. The Native Americans of the region feared British influence on traditional customs, and believed British settlers would quickly come to claim their lands across the Appalachian Mountains."
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Modern Chivalry, 2007.
This paper analyzes the work 'Modern Chivalry' by Hugh Henry Brackenridge, which presents a satire of colonial America.
910 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer studies 'Modern Chivalry' by Hugh Henry Brackenridge notes that the work, published in the 1790s, is over four volumes and features a satirical picture of American life. The writer explains that 'Modern Chivalry' is a commentary on American society, which through satire, demonstrates the positives and negatives of colonial America and what should be done to fix some of the ills. The writer further explains that the book is therefore a reflection of the values of America. The writer concludes that the work illustrates the danger of American society even though Brackenridge may claim to have written a book for purely entertainment value.
From the Paper
"Drawing on many truths, this work of satire became very popular particularly in the west which it satirizes. The story is dominated by a hero, a new Don Quixote, and his servant Teague who is like a Sancho Panzo. It is first and foremost a parody of the frontier, but speaks on much more the political landscape of early colonial America. Modern Chivalry can be seen as a work to show insight into America's system of representation. It is ultimately, a satire on numerous aspects of young America and thus reflects on the forces which from which it emerged, a society still in the youthful stages of a new form of government."
"Modern Chivalry's primary theme is one which was of great consequence to a young America as whole. In Colonial America, there was a question as to the common man could be an effective democratic citizen in a young and unique republic. According to Lukasik, it is this face of the republic that Brackenridge depicts meaning this piece of literature is in fact a product of the political forces of America."
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"Aunt Moon's Young Man", 2007.
A review of the book "Aunt Moon's Young Man" by Linda Hogan.
905 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how in her short story "Aunt Moon's Young Man", Linda Hogan captures some of the deepest and most fascinating aspects of her Native American culture, which make up most of the symbolism of the text. In particular, it looks at how Hogan emphasizes the differences between the Indian and the white cultures, using the imagery of windows and mirrors.
From the Paper
"First of all, the mirror and the window are symbols of the domination exercised by the white culture through reflection, that is, through the construction of identities for the other. Thus, the characters in the story seem to be separated in two sets as well, Bess and Isaac as the preservers of tradition, both through their gestures and through the ways in which they live their lives, and the other members of the community as representatives of the mixed culture which emerged under the influence of the white people. When the men and women in the tribe condemn the relationship between Aunt Moon and Isaac they become symbols of the white culture, which usually attributes fixed identities and codes for behavior for every member of society."
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"Survival to the Spirit", 2007.
This paper examines Henrietta Stockel's "Survival to the Spirit", which documents the terrible effects of White civilization upon the Chiricahua Apaches tribes.
844 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that Henrietta Stockel's book is both a history of the conflict between Whites and native peoples and a medical analysis of the history of disease and early American medicine. The paper explains the author's thesis that the Chiricahua Apaches tribes were destroyed by disease and cultural eradication by the American government. The paper portrays Stockel's idea removing a tribe from its native soul is not merely an act of injustice, or cultural violence, but also medical and biological cruelty.
From the Paper
"When detailing the terrible effects of White civilization upon the Chiricahua, Stockel connects the native susceptibility to disease from their original dwellings to their suffering from numerous maladies while imprisoned as what she calls captives of war of the American government. The book details a kind of fall from Eden for the Chiricahua, from their early roots and culture, closely connected to their native soil, to what transpired afterwards, after the military defeat of Geronimo. The first chapters of Stockel's book describe the Southwestern Chiricahua Apaches tribes and their traditions before they met the Anglos, focusing especially their mastery of natural medicines and herbs particular to the hot, dry regions where they lived."
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Zuni Education, 2007.
This paper discusses education among the Zuni nation.
2,500 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses how Native-American children, in every state of the United States were expected to become American citizens through a system of education that isolated them from culture and family and demanded that they learn white ways, including but not limited to language. The writer looks at how the return of people, to their Zuni roots is what will make it possible for multicultural education to succeed in the Zuni nation. The writer notes that the Zuni still receive only limited offers of higher education and they are almost devoid in the insular community. Nevertheless, teaching requirements dependent upon state regulations will likely continue to be the norm. For this reason it is essential that the strength of the Zuni multicultural education be retained and strengthened even further to support early emphasis on Zuni culture and self value and to help those who must seek higher education away from home to be able to return to teach future generations of Zuni children seek excellence and help their community to grow.
From the Paper
"Wyaco's own experience in education, could serve as an introduction to the established importance of institutions, such as the one he was fighting for, and additionally the institutions for primary, intermediate and secondary education for Indians. As a Native American seeking higher education he had to isolate himself, in the white world to achieve it. Once he had done so attempting to return to his Zuni roots, by actually obtaining employment in Zuni was difficult, as much of his cultural identity had been lost as a result of the separation required for education."
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Wilma Mankiller, 2007.
This paper discusses the historical figure of Wilma Mankiller, the first female leader of the Cherokee nation.
1,565 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that the biography of Wilma Mankiller is of great importance to the understanding of the cultural identity struggle of Native-Americans. The paper discusses her contributions towards the rebuilding of the Cherokee nation after the Trial of Tears or Cherokee Removal during the years 1838-1839.
From the Paper
"Mankiller was born in 1945 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, which is seen as the heart of the Cherokee nation. When she was ten years old she moved with her parents to San Francisco, with one of the government programs for relocation, which made it possible for the Native Americans to move from their traditional lands to urban areas. Later, Wilma met her first husband, Hugo Olaya, but their marriage eventually terminated because she became increasingly devoted to Native American problems, of which he strongly disapproved. Her first major political action was her involvement in the movement initiated by a group of Native Americans who occupied the Alcatraz island in 1969."
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