Native American Seminar Reflection Since I was absent for the big seminar, Ashley, another classmate, and I had a lovely conversation concerning history's relevance, specifically towards Native Americans. History must be written by somebody. Often times, the writer holds bias on his or her part, thus disrupting the truth. In order to receive differing perspectives to widen our own, we observed the works of Howard Zinn. The class read upon real facts of the hostile treatment of Native Americans and seeing as to how it plays out today. (Including other works like Shermann Alexie or Reel Injun) First, the question of proof was on the table. Ashley asked the topic of how discrimination against Natives plays out in society. I brought up Dartmouth college student body's ignorance towards Native Americans. Within Native cultures, there are contrasting behavioral attitudes. In tribes, the individuals are expected to be independent but still reliant upon each other. This culture weighs importance on authority but also empowered selves. This contradicts the white culture often contained in institutions in America. Americans are hustlers! American culture (generally) associates with competitiveness, independence, and being first in line. Not like that's always a bad thing, however, it becomes a culture shock for Native Americans. "To feel alive, my spirit must feel free. It seemed that Dartmouth handed me a key and told me to lock my spirit up." Marianne Chamberlain from Dartmouth explained. Some Native students felt isolated and incompetent at the bustling white culture influence in America. So we began to discuss solutions. I brought up an example of a teacher in a music class giving specific types of attention to different students. The class was racially diverse, meaning they were raised in different cultures- Therefore they behaved differently. She attempted to create an environment in which all individuals from different backgrounds succeed. But Ashley brought up a good point: How are they going to react to the real world after school? She mentioned a strict school that teaches how to behave in a white culture world without necessarily beating their identity out of them. It is difficult indeed to ensure the line isn't crossed when disciplining them to behave a certain way without their heritage being torn away. Ashley also added the dilemma of acceptance. Should everyone just embrace anyone of any culture or should we be critical justifiably? I chimed in on the banned Army natural haircuts towards African American women. (Dreadlocks, short afros, etc) The only acceptable few women's haircuts pertained to mostly white women. Should we put a stop to that type of discrimination or should be let it slide because they should conform? Our Seminar ended sooner than expected and we wrapped it up. To present time, I'm still currently thinking about solutions for these problems. It's difficult to find solutions to these situations considering many of them are so small, yet so big in quantity. As for an answer to the question, "How can several sources can manifest (See what I did there) our take on history?"...I'd say it can shape it for the better. Having several perspectives from the lives who suffered and from the lives of the suffering helps balance views on past events. Before I end my reflection, this Native American project helped me improve my opinions and strengthen my logical and ethical thinking. Thank you for the great discussion, Ashley! (And other classmate that I embarrassingly forgot the name of, heh!)