- Many Americans believe that assimilation is the best course for minority groups to thrive in the United States. We will look at that tactic as it was used to “Americanize” Native Americans.
- Read: Zitkala-Sa American Indian Stories.pdf and this on research on assimilation: http://www1.udel.edu/udaily/2012/jan/assimilation-study-010912.html#:~:text=Researchers%20find%20majority%20and%20minority%20groups%20seek%20to%20protect%20their%20own%20identities,-TEXT%20SIZE&text=2%3A33%20p.m.%2C%20Jan.,than%20maintaining%20a%20distinct%20identity
- For this discussion answer:
- What was expected of Zitkala-Sa or her family and what methods were used to bring this about? (there are some obvious methods but also look for patterns or more subtle strategies)
- Is assimilation the best route to success in the United States, why or why not?
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response to 2 reflections
- 1- What was expected of Zitkala-Sa or her family and what methods were used to bring this about? (there are some obvious methods but also look for patterns or more subtle strategies)It was expected that Zitkala-Sa and her family should assimilate into the dominant white population, taking on this new culture and forgetting their own. Early in the reading one of the main strategies employed by the missionaries was to impress upon the young Native Americans the promises and wonder of the world away from their lives. They told stories of beautiful landscapes and fruits that they could eat all day. This was one way that they attempted to sell white-european based principles to the Native American people. It can be seen to have been effective as many children in Zitkala-Sa’s village were very excited about the opportunity to go to these new lands. Another strategy that was employed to further help the assimilation attempts can be seen at the school that Zitkala-Sa was at. At the start of the day they lined up all of the students there and the new arrivals saw the other students who had already adjusted to the new environment. These new arrivals would have been the minority and were scared by what they had seen, “the bewildering sights had exhausted me”, and would have followed what everybody else was doing until they too had become assimilated into this new society.Is assimilation the best route to success in the United States, why or why not?I do not believe that assimilation is the best route to success in the United States. It is important to keep hold of our culture as that is what makes us different and unique to everybody else. This culture, also, may have been upheld for hundreds of years and is not something that should be thrown away. I also believe that keeping one’s identity and culture would benefit society as society would be full of people who have different backgrounds and experiences and will then be able to contribute meaningfully and effectively to society based on these experiences. Having a society full of culture is something that the US should strive for. After reading the article about assimilation studies maybe my view makes sense because, being an international student, I have an identity that is different from the mainstream culture of America. The study showed that the minority groups often favoured pluralism which I also favour.
- 2- What was expected of Zitkala-Sa or her family and what methods were used to bring this about?Zitkala-Sa was expected to forcefully adapt to a different culture and lifestyle. Her family influenced her and other children that life was way better if they chose assimilation. Education was one of the main reasons her mother and aunt wanted to send her away in hopes she would grow up to be successful. If the children were told the truth, they would be scared to leave home considering their hair was cut, they would have to dress differently, and people mocked them based on their appearance. Is assimilation the best route to success in the United States, why or why not?I would disagree that assimilation is the best route to success in the United States. Having diversity is what helps people individually stand out, it’s a positive atmosphere having different cultures around and learning about different people. Hard work and education will always contribute to the most success no matter what you do, you must try your best to succeed and fulfill your life.
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