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Confronting Racism in the American Southwest, 2008.
A discussion on racism in the southwest of America.
1,342 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the indigenous peoples of the American southwest who have suffered various forms of racial discrimination since 1519. The author illustrates how historical materials have tried to tell this history in a substantially more even-handed and objective way.
From the Paper
"One of the better sources of this material is a historical novel. Graciela Limon is a novelist of Mexican-American descent, who in Song of the Hummingbird, tells the story of the conquest of Nahua, as the indigenous peoples called Mexico. Her vehicle for doing this is the final "confession" of an aged woman living in a convent in Mexico in 1583. The woman uses the nominal form of a confession to a young priest to tell the story of her life, set against the trauma of the Spanish conquest. Appropriately, the priest, Father Benito Lara, is new to Mexico, and brings with him an understanding of the conquest and of the indigenous peoples based on Spanish propaganda."
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The Quest for California, 2008.
This paper explores the experiences of the Spanish and Mexican governments in their attempts to colonize California.
1,696 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper reveals that although the periods of the Spanish occupation and Mexican colonization of California have been romanticized by many historians, in actuality there was a brutal struggle between the native Indians and the Spanish and Mexican peoples. The paper describes the efforts of both Spain and Mexico to colonize California and influence their culture. The paper shows how the Indians held to their convictions and heritage even under the threat of abuse and torture.
From the Paper
"The Spanish expanded their empire into California in 1769, over two hundred years after their first exploration of the California coast. The Spaniards brought with them their European culture which included Catholic missions, presidios (forts protecting the missions), and small towns known as "pueblos". (UCLA Extension Seminar). "The culture of the Spanish was markedly different" from the natives, which resulted in major conflict during Spain's attempt at the colonization of California (Chan & Olin 74). Tensions ensued, and in 1808, the Mexican revolt began against Spanish rule and finally ended in 1821 with Mexican independence. "Mexico...was even less able than Spain..." to handle the colonization of California and live peacefully with the natives (Bean & Rawls)."
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Who is the Captive in 'Captivity'?, 2008.
This paper discusses who is the captive in Sherman Alexie's world, focusing on his work "Captivity'.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer examines "Captivity," a stream-of-consciousness piece by Sherman Alexie. The writer points out that this work explores Alexie's reaction as a Native-American who grew up on a reservation, amid squalor, alcoholism, poverty, and hopelessness, to one of the classic narratives of a brave white woman enduring the grim experience of being held captive by Native-Americans. The writer discusses that Sherman Alexie, in touch with his tribal past and all of the imagery that it entails, also steps out to do his own dancing, the prolific author of novels, stories, poetry and pieces such as "Captivity," as well as the director of the movie versions of his books.
From the Paper
"In "Captivity," Mary Rowlandson is a recurring image: the white, especially the white girl, alone on the reservation. One version of Mary Rowlandson is the daughter of a white reservation worker. Stepping into her first classroom filled with young tribal members, she carries with her a "memory" distilled from the captivity her namesake endured three centuries earlier, at a time when the Wampanoags might well have thought that they had a chance to clear their traditional lands of the grasping colonists. Terrified, the modern Mary Rowlandson flees the school, envisioning each boy as her would-be captor."
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The Native American Mascot Controversy, 2008.
This paper explores the debate surrounding Native-American mascots in American schools.
906 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that, while there are legitimate reasons for permitting schools to continue with Native-American mascots, there are more compelling reasons for not allowing the practice to continue. The paper explains that native mascots as they are utilized today in many American schools perpetuate stereotypes that hurt Native-Americans and cast native culture in a negative light. The paper concludes that a smart maneuver would be to keep the mascots, but to cut down on the stereotyping that make native mascots in America so offensive.
From the Paper
"In the clamor to remove Indian mascots from school sporting activities, the arguments in favor of the practice have often been drowned out. Be that as it may, there are credible reasons why Native American mascots are not as destructive or as vile as some might believe. For one thing, supporters argue that, while pernicious and anachronistic images need to go and fast, mascots that emphasize the valor, courage, "warrior spirit" and resourcefulness of Native peoples should remain. Simply put, it is objectionable and a glaring example of excess for the critics of Indian mascots to seek the denunciation and elimination of all of them when some may actually present Native culture in a noble and admirable light ("Some Indian Mascots OK," 2006; King and Springwood, 2001)."
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Leslie Marmon Silko's "Ceremony", 2008.
This paper reviews the novel "Ceremony" by Leslie Marmon Silko.
1,154 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at how Silko brings out the conflict between traditionalism and modernity in Native-American life in her novel "Ceremony". The paper discusses how the central character, Tayo, rediscovers his heritage in a moment of crisis and learns how that heritage was taken away by the white culture that still dominates his people. The paper highlights the theme of discovery of the past and its relevance to the present.
From the Paper
"Silko's young American Indian Tayo has faced a personal crisis as a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II, and his search for his roots on the reservation is a desperate need for an anchor for his life, something to hold after the horrors of war. The continuation of the way white society views Native American society is seen in the admonition by the Army doctor for "no Indian medicine" (p. 34). Tayo looks to the stories and ceremonies of his ancestors for comfort and finds resentment and anger as well as he remembers what the white settlers did to his people: "He lay there and hated them. Not for what they wanted to do with him, but for what they did to the earth with their machines, and to the animals with their packs of dogs and their guns. It happened again and again, and the people had to watch, unable to save or to protect any of the things that were so important to them. . . He wanted to kick the soft white bodies into the Atlantic Ocean; he wanted to scream to all of them that they were trespassers and thieves" (pp. 203-204)."
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Child Welfare among the Pacific Northwest Indians, 2008.
A discussion of how understanding the child-rearing practices of the Pacific Northwest Indians and Alaskan Native Indians is important in providing the best welfare service to their children.
1,590 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses cultural competence within the context of the Pacific Northwest Indians and the Alaskan Native American. The paper describes family and community approaches to child welfare practice and also looks at social and (to a lesser extent) racial constructs in these societies. Finally, the paper at various times touches upon the lessons that a careful study of Pacific Northwest culture can offer to a child welfare agent eager to do the right thing.
From the Paper
"About the Coeur d'Alene tribe somewhat less is known but it is known that kinship was bilaterally based and that the same terms were used to address a cousin from the mother's side of the family as from the father's side of the family (Frey, n.d.). Whether or not this sort of practice is still in place is hard to determine (the evidence is scant) but, to the extent that any members of the Coeur d'Alene still cling to the "old ways", it is advisable that child welfare representatives respect the fact that Coeur d'Alene families are extended and close-knit and that a child's well-being is everyone's concern."
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The Chumash: Seafarers of Southern California, 2007.
A study of the Chumash, a seafaring Native American tribe of Southern California and their possible connection with ancient Polynesian seafarers.
1,760 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Native American tribe of Southern California, the Chumash, one of the few New World peoples who regularly navigated the ocean. The paper points out that they built plank canoes, unlike most other North American native tribes whose canoes were of an unsophisticated hollowed-out tree trunk design. Only Polynesian seafarers from the distant South Pacific were thought to use similar plank boats to explore and colonize the various islands of the Pacific over a thousand or more years ago. The paper draws a possible connection between the two peoples according to both linguistic and archaeological evidence. From a purely linguistic standpoint, the Chumash word for plank canoe, "tomolo", may be derived from the Polynesian word "tumu-raa'au", referring to the wooden plank boats used by Polynesian explorers. The paper concludes that these findings regarding the Chumash wood plank canoe may open the door to seeing Native American culture in a whole new light, and even call into question old orthodoxies about migration patterns.
From the Paper
"Due to the vast size of the area that eventually became known as California, there were at one time or another dozens of small Native American tribes who inhabited the region, differing widely in language, culture and lifestyle, due to the great variety of environmental conditions they found themselves in (desert, mountain, seacoast, etc.) The Chumash are a Native American tribe who historically made their home along the southern coastal regions of California, stretching roughly from the vicinity of what is now Santa Barbara in the north down to Ventura in the south, but (to a lesser degree) even extending as far south as what is now Malibu ("Chumash.") They also lived on the three largest of the Channel Islands: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel. The Channel Islands, located about 20 miles off the coast near present day Santa Barbara, are the largest offshore islands on the West Coast of North America ("Channel Islands.") This offshore presence was unique to the Chumash among California Indian tribes and will have a central place in the subsequent examination of their seafaring abilities and possible trans-Pacific origins."
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The Navajo Nation, 2008.
A review of the book "Navajo" by James F. Downs.
1,356 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how the book "Navajo" by James F. Downs offers a history of the Navajo nation and considers many aspects of the Navajo culture and social order. The paper relates that the book gives much attention to the society the Navajo had when the first Europeans arrived in North America and to the complexities of the Navajo civilization. The paper discusses how Downs notes the forces that have brought change even as Navajo culture itself persists in some communities. The paper concludes that this book is a good introduction to the Navajo people and their traditions.
From the Paper
"Downs first considers the development of the Navajo as a separate entity, beginning however with the original Nadene people from Siberia from which all the rest of the Native American population would spring. What is known of the Nadene people shows that they probably brought "the hard-soled moccasin and the strong, complex bow" (Downs 6). These people divided over time into various groups from Alaska down the coast into the rest of North America. One such groups was the Athapaskans, hunters rather than gatherers, and they entered the Southwest, formed different groups with different languages and styles of life, and interacted in some way with the Pueblo people of the Southwest, in time becoming known by a new name, the Apache. Around the start of the seventeenth century, the Apaches were a wild, hunting people, while the Navajo Apaches were the "apaches of the big fields" (Downs 10)."
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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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