European Influence on Native American Tribes

Paper Summary:

The writer of paper explores the current situation affecting the majority of the once proud Native Americans who now suffer from alcohol and substance abuse as well as declining general health. This paper historically details the life of Native Americans prior to the arrival of the English. The Native Americans lived in relative harmony with their surroundings and as contributing members to the land. This paper examines how the arrival of the English brought with them domination and a disrespect for the harmonious way of life the Native Americans had adopted. This paper discusses the fact that the English introduced alcohol to the Native-Americans. Prior to the introduction of alcohol the natives were seen as fit, athletic and lean people, whereas the people of today are often seen as obese and sickly. The writer contends and explains why alcohol is not the only problem introduced by the Europeans. This paper examines the the cultural genocide that has occurred among the natives who suffer from higher than average death rates, higher tuberculosis rates and a generally poor overall level of health.

From the Paper:

"Alcohol abuse is no the only problem introduced by the Europeans; today as a result of the cultural genocide that has occurred among the Native Americans, people living in these communities often suffer from higher than average general death rates, higher infant mortality and childhood death rates, higher tuberculosis rates and a general poor overall level of health regardless of ones age. In addition there is a generally inaccessibility to adequate health care facilities and a tremendous lack of preventive programs for health improvement among the population, all of which can contribute to an increased abuse of alcohol and other addictive substances. Most natives probably content themselves with living an impoverished lifestyle and have to turn to substances to take their mind off of the poor quality of life and healthy they must endure day after day."

More papers on European Influence on Native American Tribes:

• Comparison Essay # 23680 : "Literature on Native American History"
• Research Paper # 147258 : "Classifying Native American Tribes in Cultural Families"
• Analytical Essay # 9696 : "Native American Culture"

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