Factors which contribute(d) to Native American Persistence, Resistance and Adaption to American Mainstream Culture

Ensayo , 2001 , 4 Páginas , Calificación: A-

Estudios de América - Cultura y Estudios regionales

FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTE(D) TO NATIVE AMERICAN PERSISTENCE, RESISTANCE AND ADAPTATION TO AMERICAN MAINSTREAM CULTURE
Ever since the first Europeans arrived in the “New World” Native Americans have been the victims of ethnocide and genocide. Liberal assimilationists, such as Richard Henry Pratt, wanted to assimilate the Native Americans into American mainstream culture, whereas more radical Europeans wanted to not only destroy the Native American culture but to also eliminate the Native American peoples altogether. Luckily, the latter aim has never been fulfilled due to Native American resistance, which enabled them to persist up to the present day. However, in certain areas of life Native Americans have, to a certain degree, adapted to mainstream society. The relationship of resistance and adaptation is one of great complexity, and it is almost impossible to clearly define where resistance ends and adaptation begins. In some cases adaptation itself can be a form of resistance. As a consequence of this strained relationship, the question suggests itself why such a
heterogeneous group as the Native Americans has been able to persist as one nation and at the same time preserve various tribal identities. Resistance, “the act of striving to fend off or offset the actions, effects

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Resistance
• The Impact of Government Policies
• Pan-Indianism and the American Indian Movement
• The Role of Legends and Tradition
• Cultural Persistence
• Adaptability and Survival Strategies
• Values, Traditions, and Beliefs
• The Importance of Harmony with Nature
• Holistic Time and Role Reversal
• Group Affiliation and Family
• Adaptation and Resistance
• Adaptation as a Form of Resistance
• The Influence of Urbanization and Racism
• Choosing Assimilation for Convenience
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay explores the complex relationship between resistance and adaptation among Native Americans in the face of European colonization and assimilation policies. The author investigates the factors that have contributed to Native American persistence and survival, while also analyzing how they have adapted to dominant American culture. The key themes explored are:

• The role of government policies in shaping Native American resistance
• The importance of Native American culture, traditions, and beliefs in ensuring their survival
• The multifaceted nature of adaptation, which can be both a form of resistance and a consequence of societal pressures
• The impact of urbanization and racism on Native American identity and choices
• The intricate connection between resistance and adaptation as intertwined processes

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This section sets the stage by outlining the historical context of European colonization and the impact on Native American communities. The author introduces the concepts of ethnocide and genocide, highlighting the pressures faced by Native Americans. The tension between resistance and adaptation is presented as a complex dynamic that shapes Native American experiences.
• Resistance: This section delves into the ways in which Native Americans have resisted assimilation and oppression. It examines the role of government policies, particularly boarding schools and urbanization, in fostering a sense of Pan-Indianism and unity among different tribes. The author also discusses the influence of figures like Crazy Horse and the American Indian Movement in maintaining a spirit of resistance and self-determination.
• Cultural Persistence: This chapter explores the intrinsic cultural strengths that have contributed to Native American survival. It highlights their adaptability to harsh conditions, their deep-rooted traditions and beliefs, and their unique philosophy of life that emphasizes harmony with nature and holistic time. The author also discusses the importance of family and community in providing a sense of belonging and continuity.
• Adaptation and Resistance: This section examines the complex relationship between adaptation and resistance, highlighting the ways in which adaptation can be a strategic form of resistance. It explores how accessing education and federal funds can be used to empower Native American communities. The author also acknowledges the pressures of racism and the allure of convenience that can lead some Native Americans to choose assimilation.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay focuses on the complexities of Native American resistance and adaptation, analyzing the interplay of government policies, cultural values, and societal pressures. Key terms include: ethnocide, genocide, assimilation, Pan-Indianism, American Indian Movement, cultural persistence, adaptability, traditions, beliefs, harmony with nature, holistic time, group affiliation, family, racism, urbanization, resistance, and adaptation.

• Universidad: University of Tubingen (Amerikanistik)
• Curso: PS III Landeskunde – American Native Cultural Studies
• Calificación: A-
• Autor: B.A. Stephanie Wössner (Autor)
• Año de publicación: 2001
• Páginas: 4
• No. de catálogo: V138133
• ISBN (Ebook): 9783640475636
• ISBN (Libro): 9783640475704
• Idioma: Inglés
• Etiqueta: Factors, Native, American, Persistence, Resistance, Adaption, American, Mainstream, Culture