My perception of Native Americans has completely changed because of this class. They are much more three dimensional in my mind now. Whereas before, they were almost a mythical group of people; a group that perhaps existed in an enchanted land. Now, I know that they still do exist in society all around us and they are just like everyone else. They have integrated into society while keeping their culture and traditions like other minority groups in the United States.
The
view of the universe as a world that needs balance has made me look at life
in a new light. In society, we are always taught about goodness and evil
everywhere we go. It is the legacy of Christianity. However, no one can
ever be the perfect Christian because no one can do good all the time. Yet,
with the Indian view of balance in the world, everything just makes more
sense. The focus seems to expand to the larger picture. The world becomes
a united whole that needs balance instead of trying vainly to extinguish
evil.
The fact that Indians must be recognized by the government to be Indian has struck me as incredulous. I find it very odd that the government has the right to tell someone they are not Indian if they are not issued papers. This has altered my perception of the United States' government. How can we live in this day and age and still have such backward laws? I feel we are not as educated and progressive as everyone believes. The world no longer seems so modern and void of ridiculous laws.
I now take notice if a product uses Indians to make it seem natural or more authentically American. Indians must be a major part of America if their images represent the essence of America. If Indians can serve to represent the country, then they must be apart of the basic foundation of this country. Therefore, this is more reason for us to understand the group that part of our national unity is based upon. Now, if I see an Indian icon of some kind, I take the time to explain to my friends how those things are offensive. I try to educate those around me and spread the knowledge that I have gained from this class. I feel that it is important that everyone erases the stereotypical images of Indians. They should know that Indians are not just what we see in cartoons and Hollywood films.