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Native American Exploitation, 2008.
A summary of opposing views of the New World as voiced by Christopher Columbus and Bartoleme de Las Casas.
1,381 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper brings together the works of Christopher Columbus and Bartoleme de Las Casas in relation to their impressions of the New World.
The paper relates that extracts from their letters illustrate how the two Spaniards offer similar conceptions of the new people while differing considerably on the appropriate treatment offered to them. In essence, however, both author their letters with European colonialism as the informing basis for their respective intimations, prefiguring the ultimate destruction of the native people and culture
From the Paper
"When Columbus touched the shores of the Americas, believing his discovery to be the West Indies that he had initially sought, a New World was said to have been uncovered. For the Europeans, this title was rife with connotation regarding its entitlement to conquer and claim the vast and unexplored territory. This would be true in spite of the concurrent discovery that, in fact, the New World had long been populated by the native tribes that are described as plentiful in accounts of the frontier. For the leader of the first voyage to America, Christopher Columbus, and a man regarded as perhaps the first staunch advocate for Native American rights, Bartoleme de Las Casas, the presence of these populations challenges European assumptions regarding ownership and subjugation. In their respective letters, the 1493 "A Letter to Luis Santangel" and 1542's "Brief Account of the Devastation of the Indies," the two Spaniards offer similar conceptions of the new people encountered in the New World while differing considerably on the appropriate treatment offered thereto.
Both concur on the dominant presence of the tribes found in the Americas. Las Casas, in fact, describes them as being so numerous as to perhaps account for a more densely populating presence than he had ever seen of a people in the Spanish homeland. For Columbus, this plenteousness is distinguished, however, by the apparently malleable spirits of the natives. He remarks that on the Atlantic coast of the continent, "I found very many islands filled with people innumerable, and of them all I have taken possession for their highness, by proclamation made and with the royal standard unfurled, and no opposition was offered to me" (Columbus, 1) Here, the European perspective on ownership is immediately demonstrated, offering a great deal of insight into the disposition which Columbus helped to foster in the New World. The eventual destruction of the native cultures which he describes here is made inevitable in Europe's very first glimpse of America.
The clash of cultures, it can be seen, will be immediate. The conventional wisdom denotes that the native tribes which inhabited the land before Columbus' arrival had no sense of ownership, either over land or people. In the conception articulated above, Columbus regards the submissiveness of these cultures to his dominance as an indication of their willingness to be conquered and possessed. This is a clear failure on the part of the author to apprehend the social manifestation of the cultural distinctions between prior inhabitants and new arrivals to the New World. A more studied understanding of their behavior might instead reveal that the tribes, which would earn the misappellation 'Indians,' did not recognize their newfound status as subjects to the king of Spain."
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Communitarian Living in Cherokee and Colonial Communities, 2008.
An analysis of the Colonists' influence on the Cherokee population.
1,781 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the influences and opportunities that the colonists brought to the New World and discusses the differences between their values and those of the Native Americans. Ultimately, the difference in the communitarian tendencies attributed to both cultures would be definable in terms of gender equality. The author argues that the general push of European culture toward the patriarchal capitalism which would soon come to define American life, could be felt in the distinct change, and eventual devastation, of the Cherokee culture.
From the Paper
"The European arrival to the New World brought about a total recalibration of global order. The opportunities of economic growth, governmental innovation and geographical expansion prefigured the development of a distinct culture. Indeed, the colonists who brought with them many vestiges of the monarchical European lifestyle would come into contact with a theretofore unprecedented landscape and a people, in the Native Americans, of whom there existed no prior knowledge. In Theda Perdue's Cherokee Women: Gender and Culture Change 1700-1835 and Helena Wall's Fierce Communion, we can begin to see how the land and the two cultures in question coincided to produce a unique condition of communitarian living for the colonists while simultaneously dismantling such a condition for the Cherokee.
A major point of distinction between the Cherokee and colonialist civilizations is the emphasis which each placed on its respective social value system as a means to subsistence. For the Cherokees, this system would be founded on a distribution of responsibilities designed to bring equanimity to the survivability of the collective. This communitarian approach to subsistence would be countered by the far more individualistic culture of the colonists, whose conceptualization of individual ownership, land dominance and market competition together created a powerful capitalist entity. This entity would be perhaps the most incurrent cause of the eventual demise of a pure Cherokee culture, first through the intended process of acculturation and thereafter through the aggressive tactics of economic and military dominance that would appear to be naturally produced by the thrust of capitalism. Thus, we can see that the sharp contrast between Cherokee communitarian tendencies and colonial ambitions for expansion of the competitive playing field would be an ultimate catalyst to the impasse between the two divergent cultures."
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"Indian School", 2003.
This paper examines the book "Indian School" by Michael Cooper.
1,391 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The paper examines "Indian School" by Michael Cooper where he chronicles the history of the schools organized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The paper looks at how Cooper profiles some of its students and their hardships in the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. The paper discusses how the Native-Americans were forced to ignore their Indian culture and conform to the white man's ways. The author concludes that he will use this as an example of why it is important to incorporate all cultures in education.
From the Paper
"In 1879, relations between the United States government and the Native Americans were very poor. The Native Americans were being forced into reservations by the expanding European-American population. Also just three years earlier, Lt. Colonel Custer and 250 soldiers were killed at the Little Bighorn River. When Captain Richard Henry Pratt came to the Rosebud Reservation asking for Sioux children, the Native Americans were very apprehensive. Captain Pratt spoke with forty warriors and chiefs and he convinced them that their ignorance of the white man's ways were actually hurting their civilization. He said the United States government would provide boarding and education for their children at no cost. After talking it over the Chiefs decided that it would be best if the children did get an education so that they would be better able to help their people negotiate with the white man. That winter hundreds of frightened Sioux children were taken by train from their homes near North Dakota to Pennsylvania, one thousand miles away."
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The Lenni-Lenape Tribe, 1998.
A brief history of Lenni Lenape Indian tribe.
2,666 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the Lenni-Lenape tribe. It includes their spiritual and intellectual beliefs and a description of the environment in which they lived. Also described briefly is the history of their contact with the English, Spanish and other invaders, beginning with a look the Spaniard Pedro Mendez in 1570 and continuing through to a look at the Englishmen under Governor William Berkley in 1644. The paper also discusses the Lenni-Lenapes of modern day from the 1920's.
From the Paper
"Two outstanding leaders met and stopped a war between the English colonists under John Smith and the Lenape Indians under Chief Powhatan. As part of the treaty, Chief Powhatan was crowned King of the Delaware territory, in 1609, through the diplomacy of John Smith. Unfortunately, John Smith was recalled to England in 1609 after a dispute with the London Company's managers. The result of his recall was full-scale war between the English and the Lenape. The war lasted until 1613 when Pocahontas married an English colonist named John Rolfe and Chief Powhatan grudgingly called a truce between his people and the English."
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"Night Flying Woman", 2007.
A reflection of the role of the cycle of life in Ojibway culture through the narrative of "Night Flying Woman" by Ignatia Broker.
961 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper examines "Night Flying Woman" by Ignatia Broker and reflects on the different steps of the Ojibway cycle of life and their effect on Ojibway culture. The steps of the cycle mentioned in this essay are birth and childhood, learning of the Ojibway ways, the carrying out of these taught ways, making the great journey and the passing on of history, knowledge and tradition.
From the Paper
"Another key part of the cycle of life is when an Old One makes the great journey. While making the great journey is the end of a person's cycle of life, it is not the end of their influence on the tribe, or the end of the Ojibway cycle of life for that matter. The legends and stories of the Ojibway elders are passed on, and their words are honored. Oona describes the period following the passing on of Grandmother and Grandfather. "The mourning lasted a year. They would never be forgotten, for their names were whispered to the si-si-gwa-d." (Broker, 114) Grandmother and Grandfather were not remembered so much for their individuality, but for the contribution and their dedication to the Ojibway children. "
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Cycle of Life in 'Night Flying Woman', 2007.
A reflection on the role of the Ojibway cycle of life, as presented in Ignatia Broker's narrative 'Night Flying Woman'.
911 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer relates that Ojibway's concept of the cycle of life is demonstrated throughout Ignatia Broker's narrative, "Night Flying Woman". The writer points out that Broker highlights three major steps in the Ojibway's cycle of life and that she effectively illustrates the Ojibway's respect for this cycle. The author concludes that the narrative, 'Night Flying Woman' provides something for everyone to learn from, no matter what step of the cycle you are in.
From the Paper
"Birth and childhood of Ojibway children play an especially important role in the cycle of life for it is a time for the gaining of much knowledge, both for the present as well as the future. The birth of a child is imperative for the preservation of any group of people and is likely the reason Ojibway mothers usually have five children throughout their lives. Shortly after the birth of a child, the time for teaching of the tribe's ways can begin. Constant learning is encouraged at an early age when the children are made to watch the elders go about their lives, whether they be hard at work lacing strong birch-bark containers, winding string made from the bark of trees, or just talking amongst themselves and socializing with one another. This is made apparent when part of Oona's childhood is described early on in the narrative."
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Pocahontas and John Smith, 2007.
An analysis of the relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith.
790 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the various accounts of the relationship between the Indian girl, Pocahontas and the English Captain, John Smith. It discusses exactly what their relationship was and how they related to each other. The paper looks at John Smith's account of the events and people surrounding Pocahontas and discusses how this compares to the popular Disney version of their relationship.
From the Paper
"Perhaps the most romanticized event in history is the meeting and relationship between Indian girl, Pocahontas and English Captain, John Smith. What exactly was their relationship? Disney Productions tells us in their movie titled "Pocahontas" that the relationship between the two people were of that of a romantic type, portraying the two as highly attractive twenty something's, leaping through forests and frolicking in the fields."
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The Apache Indians, 2006.
This paper discusses Apache marriage, religion and hunting.
1,193 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper describes the traditional, ideal Apache family. It looks at their close ties to extended family and examines how the leader of a tribe would prevent disharmony in the group. The paper also looks at traditional Apache religion and how hunting was an integral part of the Apache's lifestyle.
From the Paper
"The Apache had many distinct branches, some in the south, west or east. However they shared many things in common when it came to their political and social organization. In the ideal Apache family there would be a husband and a wife. It was the husband's job to join the family of his wife. The couple would share their household with their unmarried children and the families of their married daughters. Due to this marriage arrangement, the wife was the member of the family who brought in extended members. Wives played an important role in the tribe's survival."
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Trickster Coyote, 2006.
This paper examines the role of trickster Coyote in Native-American tradition.
2,983 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses one of the most famous characters in Native- American oral traditions, the trickster Coyote. The paper examines Haruo Aoki's story "Coyote and Fox" and shows how Coyote serves not only as entertainment, but also as a teaching tool for other generations to learn from. The paper illustrates why the use of these animals is important and what it reveals about Native-American life and values.
From the Paper
"One of the most famous characters in Native American oral traditions is that of the trickster Coyote. This character appears in hundreds of Native tales, and in many different tribes. Coyote "the trickster...tends to express unbridled human desires (Leeming 47)." For example in Aoki's story "Coyote and Fox," Coyote exhibits many traits that are common in most Native stories, in this tale though, "He is excessively demanding of food (Leeming 47)." In this particular story of "Coyote and Fox," by Haruo Aoki, Coyote illustrates many forms of boundaries for listeners to learn from. Also, Coyote's disregard to protocol and misbehavior serve as an example of "what not to do," and gives attention to the proper behavior of Fox. Also, Coyote's interactions with Fox create a form through which others may learn. "The funny and immoral activities of the trickster are used to teach children morality by example (Leeming 48)." Aoki's tale illustrates this teaching role of Coyote the trickster."
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"Indians and English", 2006.
A book report on Karen Ordahl Kupperman's "Indians and English."
797 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Karen Ordahl Kupperman's book "Indians and English." It discusses the book as it looks at the meeting between American Indians and English people in the first decades of contact and colonization. The paper particularly describes their attempts to understand and place each other's ways within their own familiar schemes of how human society is supposed to function.
From the Paper
"Karen Ordahl Kupperman's Indians and English focuses on the first contact between the two titled groups. Rather than trying to show how either side attempted to rid the landscape of each other, Kupperman maintains that "...both [groups] naturally sought to incorporate these new people into their own systems..." and that doing so "...necessarily involved trying to figure out the nature of the others." (1) To prove her thesis, Kupperman uses largely primary sources to highlight specifically varying aspects of both English and native life that inevitably contended with each other."
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Greater Roadrunner, 2007.
This paper examines the bird species, greater roadrunner, or geococcyx californianus.
2,487 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer studies what is known as probably the most iconic bird of the southwest, the greater roadrunner. The writer notes that the scientific name for the greater roadrunner is Geococcyx californianus, which is Latin for "ground cuckoo". The writer claims that
the greater roadrunner is one of the most underestimated and overlooked birds of the southwest. The writer discusses its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions year round. The writer then discusses its defining characteristics that put this unique and fascinating bird in an unmistakable class of its own. The bird's mutual parental responsibilities and important geographical roles within the southwest are also examined. In addition, the writer looks at the immense role the roadrunner plays within Native American culture and its iconic ways that somehow connects everyday life with the spirit world above.
From the Paper
"In some Pueblo and Apache Native American cultures, it is believed that tracing the roadrunner's inscrutable tracks around a deceased person during burial ceremonies would confuse nearby evil spirits and keep their ancestor out of harm's way during their journey to spirit world. The most widely circulated, and believed, of all stories is one claiming that roadrunners pen sleeping rattlesnakes within a cactus fence. The story claims that while the snakes are unconscious, the wise bird gathers cactus hides (with their highly functional beaks) from nearby surroundings and builds a barrier of thorns that makes escape impossible for the helpless reptile. Legend continues that once the snake awakes and realizes its fortune, the roadrunner sets into full attack mode and vigorously pecks the powerless snake with its mighty beak until the snake is lifeless. The sharing and telling of these myths and legends not only help to keep the mystery and interest of the unique roadrunner alive, but it also helps keep their cultural status within the deserts of the southwest."
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Native Americans and the Colonists, 2007.
This paper explores the differences in belief systems of the Native Americans and European colonists.
1,736 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the differing beliefs and outlooks of the Native Americans versus the European Colonists in the early 1600s. This author evaluates their differing views on such topics as technology, religion, the environment, women's rights, and slavery. The paper gives an honest appraisal of both sides' views and prejudices about the other. The author concludes that these base differences between the two sets of peoples, the Europeans and the Native Americans, were what sparked the distrust held by both nations that endured for hundreds of years.
From the Paper
"The European colonists and the Native Americans of North American had very different views on nearly everything they encountered in their lives. Living in vastly different cultures lead both groups to generally have two extremely different outlooks on four main topics; religious beliefs, the environment, social relations, and slavery, differences which the colonists used this to their advantage when conquering the peoples of the New World."
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