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Michael Dorris, 2002.
A brief review of the life and works of Michael Dorris - a Native American author.
1,205 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Dorris's many contributions, focusing on establishing Native American Studies as an academic area of study, his popular novels and short stories on Native Americans and his opus on fetal alcohol syndrome, a book that examined a personal issue which cut across ethnicities and cultures.
From the Paper
"Dorris was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 30, 1945. He was the only child of Mary Bessy Burkhardt Dorris, who was of Swiss and Irish descent, and of Jim Dorris, who was of French, English and Modoc Indian heritage. He grew up in Kentucky and later spent time with his father's family in Tacoma, Washington and in various Indian reservations in the Pacific Northwest. In 1981, Dorris married Louise Erdrich, a former student who was also an author and also part Indian. Their large family included three adopted children and three biological children (Chavkin and Chavkin, xxii-xxiii). Though their marriage seemed to be the perfect literary partnership, Erdrich and Dorris's marriage was far from idyllic. During the last months of his life, the couple had separated and Dorris was exhibiting signs of severe depression."
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Race and Human Development, 2002.
Examines the question of race and its role in human intelligence and development.
2,485 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper addresses the issue of race and its effect on human intelligence and development. It presents the position of Jared Diamond, the author of " Guns, Germs, And Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" who argues against the notion that race plays a role in human development and intelligence and then presents the position stated in "The Bell Curve". This book, by Richard J. Herrnstein and Charles Murray, assumes an exact opposite position and asserts that whites are inherently more intelligent than blacks and that intelligence is genetically inherited and basically fixed.
From the Paper
"So does race play a part in intelligence and human development? Diamond feels that the answer to that question is absolutely not. His theory is that history followed different paths for different races not because of biological factors, but due to social environments. Many historians and scientists feel that Diamond's explanation is wrong and over simplifies the real issues of race, human development and intelligence. But Diamond feels that many historians and scientists, by seeming to be objective and impartial, legitimized racial theories in the eyes of many Americans who were otherwise prone to believe in the equality of all human beings."
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Native American Captivity, 2002.
Discusses the way several American women survived captivity among Native American tribes and their subsequent writings on their experiences.
813 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Mary Rowlandson, Hannah Dustin, and Mary Jamison, were each in their own way, able to cope with their captivity. The paper discusses whether the captivity strengthened their understanding of Native Americans. It also looks at why some captives were treated harshly and others as family or tribal members. In addition, the paper explores why Native Americans took captives.
From the Paper
"The story of Mary Jamison's capture is quite different from the other women's experiences. Mary Jamison was taken captive by the Shawnee tribe while she was still a teenager. Her family was killed and the tribe adopted her as their own. Jamison actually became a part of the tribe and took a husband and had children. Jamison coped with her captivity by assimilating into the tribe that held her captive. Her ability to be a part of the tribe allowed her to cope with the loss of her family and her captivity."
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Kevin Gover's Apology for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 2002.
Commentary on the public apology to Native Americans made by the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior.
1,094 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the public apology made by Kevin Gover, the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, to Native Americans for the harsh mistreatment they received at the hands of the U.S. Government. The paper looks at the many aspects of this mistreatment addressed by the apology, and suggests that, although late in coming, a public apology may open the door to reparations for American Indians.
From the Paper
"In his speech, Gover made note of the Dawes Severalty Act, passed in 1887. This act was just one in a long line of examples of the early settlers' inability to understand the ways of the Native Americans. The act was created by whites who believed they were helping weak Native Americans by turning them into farmers and land owners. While this act uprooted the Native Americans from their homes and placed them in reservations, the American government alleged that they were helping, rather than hurting the Native Americans simply because of their belief in the superiority of America and of its culture."
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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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The Outstretched Hand of Peace, the Outstretched Hand of War, 2002.
A discussion of cooperation, capitulation and rebellion in Native American relations with the American Federal Government.
1,249 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the modern history of the Native American nation and the history of the federal government of the United States has proceeded through several distinct phases over the course of the latter 20th century. It analyzes how this sweep of Native American history in the United States can primarily be characterized by periods of acclimation, peaceful acknowledgement and even acceptance of some of the benefits of white culture, followed rebellion and anger at broken promises. It evaluates how Native Americans have sought peace or a form of mutual stasis with whites, but encroachment into Native territories has resulted in resistance and war. It looks at how today, objectives of independence have been achieved, but the effects of oppression in the form of personal desperation and addiction remain.
From the Paper
"For instance, during World War II, many Native Americans were extremely helpful to the United States government in the war effort. One of the most notable manifestations of this was the Navajo use of their native language as a code for the military, which the Japanese army never managed to break. hus Native Americans participated in the war effort in a vital and active fashion, despite their separation from mainstream American culture. Yet after the war, the Native American contribution to the survival of the United States was not recognized. In a way somewhat parallel to African Americans, military and political personnel recognized the Native American contribution to the war effort in the form of medals and verbal acknowledgement."
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Economic and Emotional Truths, 2002.
A comparative analysis of the books "Observations on Marxism and the Lakota Tradition" by Frank Black Elk and "Those Dead Guys for a Hundred Years" by Jimmie Durham.
1,055 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how both the books "Observations on Marxism and the Lakota Tradition" by Frank Black Elk and "Those Dead Guys for a Hundred Years" by Jimmie Durham critically examine the historical Native American tradition in America from a contemporary Native American perspective. It examines how Frank Black Elk examines his heritage with a critical economic and political eye, as well as attempts to discuss his personal search for his identity as a Native American man today. Jimmie Durham, in contrast, is much more concerned with the social and psychological terms of historical and ethnic 'memory' of all Native Americans. It shows how Durham defines himself, not against an ideology or against European society, but in contrast to individuals whom he never know, yet he still sees as an intrinsic part of his past. It looks at how Durham attempts to reconstruct the lives of Native Americans from long past, while Elk is more concerned with reconstructing his own sense of self.
From the Paper
"In contrast, the Native American author Jimmie Durham views his past and his connection with Native American heroes in a far more unbroken fashion. He views his connection with the dead and even the defeated as a living tradition, rather than the dead Native Americans as part of the past. "For us, history is always personal. (I remember the Trail of Tears and Sequoia's efforts as though I had been there.) History is directly involved with our families and our generations; tied with sacred white cotton string to the sweet and intense memories of our brother or sister is the desperate and intense hope of each generation to change this history." (Durham 171-2). Durham views his identity as a Native American, despite the currently marginal status of his people, as a viable source of identification. He portrays the supposed split between the culture of the living and the dead as simply yet another manifestation of white ideology and anathema to Native American culture."
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Native American Stories, 2002.
This paper examines four Native American stories in Gerald Vizenor's anthology "Native American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology".
1,550 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the four stories assigned for analysis in Gerald Vizenor's anthology "Native American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology". ( "Return to White Earth" by John Rogers, "A Good Chance," by Elizabeth Cook-Lynn, "The Little People" by Maria Campbell and "Someday Soon," by Paula Gunn Allen). The author discusses their common themes, adaptability and the finding of identity. The writer illustrates how the four stories represent a wide variety of writings about a wide variety of Indian peoples, help the reader understand the history of the Native American experience, and to some degree, today's reality of that changed experience.
From the Paper
"The four stories assigned for analysis in Gerald Vizenor's anthology (Native American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology) are each, to begin with, quite different, in terms of the point of view and the tone the authors have set. "Return to White Earth" is a very pure and charming story of the homecoming and coming of age of a Chippewa boy, returning to his native northern Minnesota following a stay at a boarding school in South Dakota. This story, by John Rogers, is as much an education in how Chippewa Indians lived, hunted, worked, interacted, and survived, as it is a story merely about characters and events. Beautifully written, and loaded with similes about the natural world and why Native Americans respect that world, this story is an up-tempo, pleasurable experience to read."
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"Tracks", 2002.
A review of Louise Erdrich's historical novel, "Tracks".
1,928 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Louise Erdrich's novel, "Tracks" about the starving Native American Chippewa tribe in North America moving toward extinction due mostly in part because of the Industrial Revolution. The path of Erdrich's novel consists of a series of tracks that connects the present to the past. It analyzes how through colorful characters and conscious detail, Erdrich portrays a realistic account of the struggles of the Chippewa tribe. It looks at how by consciously selecting descriptive details and portraying dynamic characters, Erdrich successfully reveals to the reader a side of Native American culture that is often not taught. and how she demonstrates the importance of culture and family, as well as the art of storytelling.
From the Paper
"Tracks, is also a novel of sorcery and love within the traditional realm of the Chippewa people. Throughout the novel, there are several references to love and relationship triangles; Erdrich uses the character of Fleur to help make some of these situations real. Erdrich adheres closely to known Chippewa myth portraying her characters. She calls upon many legends to enhance them including animal folklore, evil forces, love medicine and Christianity, in constructing Fleur. Fleur is the traditional Indian woman in the story. She does not conform to the white ways and, as a result, conflict arises between her and Pauline. Pauline's dislike for Fleur is evident throughout the book. She despises her and attempts to spread unflattering rumors about her. Pauline's description of Fleur includes a wide range of emotions, ranging from hatred to respect to envy. Pauline senses that Fleur's spirit is stronger and more powerful than her own; therefore she never misses an opportunity to do her reputation harm. Pauline cannot help but observe Fleur; she is drawn to her."
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