American Indian Analysis

American Indians were marginalized from society because white people were killing them. They didn't kill them physically, but the white people were trying to get rid of their culture. White people tried turning these American Indians into Whites, as in, the way they dressed, acted, and spoke To be taught not to be like your family, to even separate you, you didn't know how to live like them, you become different. In the text it says, "'Kill the Indian, save the man,' was Pratt saying." This proves that the captain would want these American Indians to change for the "better", but it wasn't better, it was only different. It also says "Along with his new name came a new look. His long hair was cut short. His leggings and moccasins were taken away, replaced by an itchy wool uniform and black leather boots." With this text, white people took away the American Indians tradition. Its killed who they were on the inside by taking away what they had on the outside.

The purpose of Shanice Britton writing this essay was to inform everyone, that American Indians are no different. In the text it says "We live in houses with electricity and running water. I take showers, watch Finding Carter on MTV, and wear jeans, just like any other teen." They way she explains how she lives is just like us, just like us because, "There are paved roads and a small grocery store, a gas station, and restaurants." American Indians aren't always people who wear feathers, wear moccasins, and leggings, but when that does happen its mostly at the ceremonies. The clothing they wear at the ceremonies, the music that plays, and the songs they sing, its just like how they remind themselves of their own traditions that were passed on. But sadly, some things that have died out because of the white people, one was: language, because not even Shanice learned it. Even though she tries to, it will still take her awhile because she learns at the ceremonies.