Black Elk Speaks Pt. 2

There's something so very straight forward and practical about how native americans approach life.  During the reading, I was constantly reminded of Ishmael.  The difference between "takers" and "leavers" shines through at the oddest moments.  For example, the idea of sharing being greater than hoarding.  Black Elk speaks of a warrior that "he had to give these gifts to those who had least of everything, and the braver he was, the more he gave away." (296)  Modern culture like to hold such tenants as "good" and "morally correct" but how many of us commit to acting as such?  I know I like to think of myself as a good person  but finding money to donate or even time is a struggle with myself.  There's too much me me me and not enough what can I do to help you?  But part of it may be that idea of ownership which we cling to so tightly.  While native americans do distinguish somewhat between mine and yours, it's rather undefined compared with our terms.  Just look at how the sales of their land went.  They roamed and used a good portion of the western United States but we only considered them to "own" a small portion of that.  But how do you decide who you purchase the land from?  Several tribes use the same area and within the tribes are families.  Do you pay individuals, clan leaders, whole tribes?  It's a very murky area lacking definition.

It's kind of like how no one can own the sky- we all share it.
(By the way, definitely still psyched from the kite festival!)
Picture taken by me.

But who's to say we can't begin to synthesize these two ways of thinking back together?  I'm sure it can be done.  Because although people come in all types, we all experience the same emotions at some point.  And we all fight for many of the same principles.  Take the ghost dances for example.  They were looked upon by the "Waischus" with derision and a bit of fear.  When they tried to halt the dances and a form of religious expression, they were immediately resisted.  "They [native americans] would not stop, and they said they would fight for their religion if they had to." (341)  Sound familiar?  It's the same principle our nation is based on.  The freedom to practice any religion is guaranteed in our bill of rights yet it seems they didn't think this applied to North America's original inhabitants.  It's sadly ironic in my opinion.

An image from the Ghost Dances where native americans hoped to mend the hoop of life.
http://blogs.valpo.edu/gjones/page/2/

We have only to gain from learning from other cultures but we seem afraid of interacting with those who don't fit in our little world.  I say college is the best chance to break out of this small-minded opinion and see a whole new world.  All of us students in world literature can attest that UT is very diverse so let's make the best of the opportunities afforded us here.  We only get a few years to explore before real work kicks in so enjoy it!  I know that's what I'm trying to do.