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Revisionist Western Films, 2002.
This paper reviews the treatment of the American Indian, or Native American, in revisionist Western films: Kevin Costner's "Dances with Wolves" (1990) and Michael Apted's "Thunderheart" (1992).
1,090 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses revisionist Westerns Kevin Costner's "Dances with Wolves" (1990), a film sensitivity to cultural differences and to the importance of Native American culture and Thunderheart (Michael Apted, 1992), which enters a more modern Indian community. The author points out that Costner still made major errors in depicting the history and culture of the Lakota Sioux tribe portrayed in the film. The paper continues that "Thunderheart" tried hard to elevate the Native American but a stereotype emerged in this film that the Native American is in some way a mystic more in touch with supernatural and spiritual forces than the non-Native population would be.
From the Paper
"The film did more than revive old stereotypes in new forms, though, and it fails in terms of its accuracy on a number of counts. One problem faced was to recreate the language of the Lakota dialect spoken by the Sioux tribes in the 1860s. The film producers hired Doris Leader Charge, a 60-year-old teacher at South Dakota's Sinte Gleska College and one of only a few thousand Sioux still fluent in Lakota. Leader Charge translated the script and served as a dialogue coach during production. She also played a small part in the film. However, as Seals points out, the men in the film generally speak Lakota in the feminine form, a result of having the script translated by a woman who did not make allowances for the differences. Seals states that a number of Indian leaders were angry about this error and found it maddening in a film that claimed to be authentic. Seals does note, though, that the film managed authenticity in other ways, such as the way the ruling elders' council was handled. The film was correct in its use of the Pipe, which is the sacred Canupa of White Buffalo Calf Maiden, who founded the buffalo culture nineteen generations ago. The Pipe Keeper and others asked that the film not depict the smoking of the pipe, but it does so just the same."
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Native American Culture in Education, 2002.
A literature review of articles dealing with the educational performance of Native Americans and the need to preserve their culture within the educational framework.
2,783 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 19 sources, MLA, $ 83.95
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Abstract
By analyzing and discussing several articles on the subject, the paper explores the issue of education among Native Americans and shows up the flaws within the American educational system. For example, in "Teaching Indigenous Languages" by John Reyhner, the paper shows how the author examines the topic of making English the primary language of instruction in Native American communities in order to integrate them into the American system. The paper discusses the risks of this move to indigenous culture. Other essays discussed include, "Effective Instructional Conversation In Native American Classrooms," (Roland Tharp and Lois Yamauchi).
From the Paper
"Sociolinguistics is an important consideration. When a teacher creates a mandate (while teaching), the response time of the student is termed as wait time. With reference to Native American students who process a concept "wholly," this wait time is longer. Students perform better with longer wait times. In contrast, western classrooms have a "switchboard" style of teaching where the teacher appoints students who will answer questions and how the inter-student communication occurs-much like a switchboard operator who connects speakers. The authors opine from studies that Indian students do not ordinarily react to non-verbal nuances. They spoke with small sentences and sparingly and softly. They had stronger communication as groups. They interrupted more and looked at other students when the teacher was teaching. This would be perceived as non-responsive or rude to traditional teachers. (S. White and Tharp, 1988)"
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Unemployment and Native Americans, 2002.
This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of unemployment among Native Americans.
1,020 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper discusses why unemployment is the most destructive problem among Native Americans. It examines the history of this problem and analyzes some of the sociological and political causes of unemployment in the Native American communities.
From the Paper
"Most Native Americans suffer high unemployment rates and incredible poverty. In fact, Native Americans face higher unemployment rates than another other ethnic minority in America today (Morrison 122). "Tribal leaders say unemployment is one of the biggest problems facing Native Americans" (Nurnberger and Naylor). Unemployment among Native Americans, especially on the reservations, can reach 50 percent or even higher, and with current national unemployment higher than it has been since the 1980s, the problem for both urban and rural Native Americans does not show any signs of improving."
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Cherokee, 2002.
A history and background on the Cherokee people.
2,555 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a timeline and background of the Cherokee people, a Native-American tribe who originally lived in the southern Appalachian Mountains area. The paper traces their history from the very beginnings more than a thousand years ago, through the introduction of whites and the modernization of America. The paper describes the Cherokee's way of life, customs and traditions. As well, the writer provides information on the political aspects which led to the treaty between this people and the American government.
From the Paper
"The society of the Cherokee was a matriarchy. The children took the clan of the mother, and kinship was traced through the mother's family. Women had an equal voice in the affairs of the tribe. Marriage was only allowed between members of different clans. Property was passed on according to clan alliance. Cherokee villages were largely independent in daily matters, with the whole tribe only coming together for ceremonies or in times of war. They grew corn (maize) and other vegetables. They hunted with bows and arrows, and used reed blowguns to kill smaller game."
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Native American Unemployment, 2002.
An analysis of some of the major social problems facing the Native Americans and their relationship to high unemployment rates.
3,146 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 23 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the population of Native American residents in the United States has been plagued by a myriad of problems since their existence. It discusses how the staggering statistics regarding unemployment in the Native American population directly influences four major social issues: crime, poverty, substance abuse and education. It looks at how numerous factors contribute to the lack of employment for residents on reservations, particularly the desire to preserve a strong cultural identity.
Outline
Introduction
Unemployment and Crime
Unemployment and Poverty
Unemployment and Substance Abuse
Unemployment and Education
Current Trends for Native Americans
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Poverty on Indian reservations is highly prevalent for a number of reasons, including geographic isolation and economic history (Ambler 9). As a result of a strong love and commitment to reservation land, the majority of Native Americans choose to remain in those surroundings despite their limited economic opportunities. Therefore, in some ways, many Native Americans are bound to a life of poverty and economic disparity. However, another significant contributing factor is the lack of governmental control over reservation activities. This lack of control has led to extremely limited opportunities for economic stability since business and industry other than agriculture is very limited or nonexistent on reservations, with the exception of reservation casinos. High unemployment rates are perhaps the most detrimental factor in poverty statistics, since jobless adults are unable to make ends meet and often fear that their living conditions will result in many permanent consequences."
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"The Death and Rebirth of the Seneca", 2002.
Discusses Anthony F.C. Wallace's book about the Seneca Native American tribe.
980 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Anthony F.C. Wallace's book "The Death and Rebirth of the Seneca" which tells the story of the Seneca Native American tribe of the Iroquois Nation and deals mainly with the Seneca prophet named Handsome Lake and the religion he created. The paper covers details about the religion, as described in the book, which functions like a church, as well as the history of the Seneca tribe and their move away from their traditions.
From the Paper
"The remainder of the book goes on to discuss more about Handsome Lake's reformation and religion, while he continues to have visions and begin preaching his Gospel. Handsome Lake died in 1815, but his followers continued to worship his religion which included a "daily life of temperance, peace, land retention, acculturation, and domestic morality" (Wallace 263), which Handsome Lake himself lived and practiced. He saw the wisdom of schooling the Seneca children, and learning to farm and keep domestic animals like the white settlers surrounding their reservations. The sad part of this is; the Seneca gave up their lifestyle to the white ways, which may have been inevitable, but still changed their way of life forever. They could never go back to hunting in the forest and living peacefully in their wilderness, their lives were forever intertwined with the white man and his ways."
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Incest, 2002.
A paper on incest and its acceptance within different cultures and societies.
1,966 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper outlines the issues related to incest as a social taboo with reference to the Jewish, Native American and Malagasy cultures. The paper attempts to identify what is wrong with the practice of incest. The paper points out that incest does not have one common level between different cultures and the practice while considered illegal and immoral in some places, may be perfectly acceptable in others.
Contents:
Definition of Incest
Modern Prohibition
Jews
Native Americans
Malagasy
Advantages and Disadvantages
American Culture Compared
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Modern day society in western culture prohibits marriages within the inner group where the parents are considered to belong to the same genes night trigger genetic defects in their children. Most societies condemn incest or marriage within the same circle especially children from the same parents or brothers and sisters etc. This incest taboo is considered to be too close and might result in genetic deformity. There are few cultures in the world today that condone incest taboo the reason being that modern theories consider the psychological and the sociological effects of such unions are too great to be ignored."
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