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Native American Literature, 2004.
A discussion of how the novels, "Power" by Linda Hogan and "Sacred Hoop" by Paula Gunn Allen, are symbolic of Native American literature.
1,279 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 0 sources, £ 22.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the themes in "Power" by Linda Hogan are centered around nature and the unity of nature and human beings and how these are also themes that are touched upon in "Sacred Hoop" by Paula Gunn Allen. It analyzes how, for the Native American, all creatures are united in a "sacred hoop", all events are cyclic ,and how the symbolism used by Hogan focuses on images from nature. It looks at how most prominent among these are the panther, the snake, the tree called Methuselah, and the storm.
From the Paper
"Both the healthy and the sick panther are connected with Omishto's Taiga tribe of the "Panther Clan". Omishto and Ama are representative of a people who is dying, like the panther. She attempts to explain this in an essay for a class assignment, but gives up, knowing they will not understand. This shows that she is experiencing the unfamiliar sensation of being disconnected from other living beings. She cannot identify with the white people, their religion or their traditions. She is unable to adapt to the invasion, and experiences a kind of sickness imposed upon her and her people."
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Racism in Native-American Literature, 2007.
This paper offers a comparison and contrast of racism and inter-racial marriage as seen in "Grass Dancer" by Susan Power and "Mean Spirit" by Linda Hogan.
983 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 17.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes the racism inherent within the institution of marriage within the two novels "Grass Dancer" by Susan Power and "Mean Spirit" by Linda Hogan. The paper discusses Hogan's use of racism against Native-Americans through the marginalization of Indian culture by whites who discourage inter-racial marriages. The paper also demonstrates how Power reveals a similar aspect of the broken and racist institution of marriage through the experiences of Jeanette McVay's marriage to a Sioux man. The paper concludes that both authors provide similar, yet differing perspectives of racism within the inter-racial marriages that arise within these two Native-American fiction novels.
From the Paper
"The novel Mean Spirit by Linda Hogan reveals the intensive racism that the whites impose on the Osage people. The plot of the novel revolves around the Osage people, and their struggles against the white oil barons that are trying to remove them from their oil-rich lands. This plot premise invokes the motive for the white oilmen to find ways to discourage compassion or empathy for the native Americans within their own culture, so that they can take the oil from the Indians. One way that Hogan imposes a white hegemonic racist construct is through the institution of marriage. For instance, when a white man and Indian woman are married, Hogan reveals the symbolic and legal marginalization of interracial relationships within white culture."
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Confronting Images in Native American Literature, 2004.
This paper looks at the novel "Ceremony" by Lelsie Marmon Silko and the poem "The Idlers" by E. Pauline Johnson.
1,582 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the novel "Ceremony" by Lelsie Marmon Silko and the poem "The Idlers" by E. Pauline Johnson. The paper compares how different Native American authors reinforce common images and stereotypes about their people, their history and their culture in varied and conflicting ways.
From the Paper
"Leslie Marmon Silko's "Ceremony" is about the struggle of the Pueblo Indian's to retain their culture and heritage which is threatened by the incursion of the White man's world into their own. In the years following World War II, in which some of their own people served this struggle, it became more difficult as returning soldiers tried to fit once again into reservation life and the old ways."
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Literature on Native American History, 2002.
An analysis and comparison on two works relating to Native American history.
2,456 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and compares "The Treaty of Canandaigua 1794: 200 Years of Treaty Relations between the Iroquois Confederacy and the United States" by G. Peter Jemison and Anna M. Schein and James Wilson's "The Earth Shall Weep: A History of Native America". The paper shows that "The Treaty of Canandaigua" provides an in-depth analysis of the treaty and its effects on both the Native American and European population of the United States, while "The Earth Shall Weep" encompasses the lives and history of many diverse Native American tribes, over almost their entire known history.
From the Paper
"Interestingly, James Wilson is not a Native American, and yet he writes The Earth Shall Weep as if he were. Wilson's analysis is clearly written outside of the Eurocentric, Christian view that has dominated the world stage for so long. As such, Wilson's review of Native American history is fresh and inviting. He manages to create a somewhat balanced overview of the indigenous North American population, while never idealizing or demonizing their culture. As such, Wilson's somewhat detached viewpoint works wonders in this lengthy (480 page) work by creating a book that is both instructive and balanced.
This balance is especially refreshing give the tendency of many books on native American culture to be written either from a dry, academic standpoint, or from a somewhat naive and idealistic viewpoint of indigenous North American culture. Wilson's book gives a useful review of Native American history without falling prey to the either extreme of analysis. As such, the book is engaging and readable, without being overbearing or exclusionist in its point of view."
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Native American Stories, 2002.
This paper examines four Native American stories in Gerald Vizenor's anthology "Native American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology".
1,550 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the four stories assigned for analysis in Gerald Vizenor's anthology "Native American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology". ( "Return to White Earth" by John Rogers, "A Good Chance," by Elizabeth Cook-Lynn, "The Little People" by Maria Campbell and "Someday Soon," by Paula Gunn Allen). The author discusses their common themes, adaptability and the finding of identity. The writer illustrates how the four stories represent a wide variety of writings about a wide variety of Indian peoples, help the reader understand the history of the Native American experience, and to some degree, today's reality of that changed experience.
From the Paper
"The four stories assigned for analysis in Gerald Vizenor's anthology (Native American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology) are each, to begin with, quite different, in terms of the point of view and the tone the authors have set. "Return to White Earth" is a very pure and charming story of the homecoming and coming of age of a Chippewa boy, returning to his native northern Minnesota following a stay at a boarding school in South Dakota. This story, by John Rogers, is as much an education in how Chippewa Indians lived, hunted, worked, interacted, and survived, as it is a story merely about characters and events. Beautifully written, and loaded with similes about the natural world and why Native Americans respect that world, this story is an up-tempo, pleasurable experience to read."
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Treatment of African Americans and Native Americans in Colonial America, 2002.
This paper discusses the treatment of African Americans and Native Americans during Colonial times.
2,265 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 36.95
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Abstract
This is a paper about the different treatments toward blacks and Native Americans in colonial America by whites. The author looks at the differences and the similarities in the way these two populations were treated.
From the Paper
"In dealing with "outsiders", White Europeans who controlled the continent held many similar views. These outsiders included the Native Americans and the African Americans. Both peoples were treated in parallel and in opposing ways by the whites in power. The most obvious way that the two groups were treated the same is that they were dealt with in a very ethnocentric way; whites assumed that they were superior to both groups. Both groups were not dealt with in the same way from the onset. Native Americans, who were living in the country long before the whites, were killed, stripped of their land, and mislead as to their future in the new white world. Africans were brought into the country, a large distinction, because whites needed them here. They were at first used as indentured servants, and it was a gradual change that shifted over to slavery. From there on came restrictive legislature, and a view of them as savages. The two groups were both treated differently by whites in terms of how they were oppressed, but the overriding theme in both cases is that the white Europeans saw both as inferior races."
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Polish-Americans and Native-Americans, 2004.
Compares and contrasts the Polish-American ethnic group to the Native-American ethnic group.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 9 sources, APA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the social, economic and political histories of Polish-Americans and Native-Americans. It discusses some of the organizations that assist the two groups, and how they fare compared to each other.
From the Paper
"The top ten states with the most Polish Americans are New York, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Wisconsin, California, Ohio, Florida and Massachusetts in descending order. However, the states with the highest percentage of Polish Americans are Wisconsin, Michigan, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, Massachusetts and Minnesota in descending order. Analysis of this data shows..."
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Reconciling American Law and Native-American Culture, 2001.
A look at the treatment of Native American's rights under the U.S. constitutional law.
2,295 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 11 sources, £ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses treatment of Native Americans' rights to their sacred sites under US Constitutional law. Three law journal articles are reviewed and utilized to form a thesis promoting the concept of communal religious rights. Historical background is provided also.
From the Paper
"The first clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."[1] However, throughout U.S. history, the federal government has deliberately restricted and prohibited the religious practices of North America's indigenous Native Americans. Rather than confront this severe blight on the country's human rights record, the various branches of the Euro-cultured U.S. government gloss over past transgressions of First Amendment rights, even as they attempt to justify new violations of Native Americans' religious rights."
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Native American Influence on American English, 2007.
An analysis of the history of certain American English words that have their roots in Native-American languages.
2,938 words (approx. 11.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the influence of Native-American languages on American English. It begins by discussing the variety, origin and roots of Native-American languages. It then discusses early contact between settlers and Native-Americans and the evidence that has been found to suggest that American English was influenced by this contact, particularly the names of places names that were named after the tribes that occupied the location.
Table of Contents:
The Lumbee
What Does this Mean for Native American Words in American English?
From the Paper
"In conclusion, tribal languages are typically spoken only in places where tribal members are isolated. However, it is doubtful if there are any areas left where the tribal language is spoken exclusively. Typically the tribal language exists alongside English. As the number of native speakers diminishes, so does the usage of that language until it is eventually extinguished. This has been the fate of many native languages. The remnants that remain in American English are testimony to their existence. In some cases they are one of the last remaining references to their existence. The study of native American words in the English language gives us a glimpse into many ancient languages that are long forgotten and can give us clues to the cultures of these people as well. The study of Native language remnants is a testimony to the tribes and peoples that once represented the dominant culture in North America."
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The Marginalization of Native Americans and African-Americans, 2004.
Examines how post-colonial American history impacted the emancipation of African-Americans and Native Americans, or Indians.
1,065 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 19.95
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Abstract
Before American society become liberated and independent from British rule, two important events became the catalyst for social and political changes that occurred within the American nation: the American Revolution (1775-1783) and the American Civil War (1860). These significant events in American history contributed to the liberation of America as a nation and the independence of marginalized sectors in America, the native American-Indians and African-Americans. This paper discusses the impact of the American Revolution and American Civil War in encouraging/discouraging the emancipation of the American Indians and African-Americans from prejudice and discrimination in the American society. In addition, this paper also focuses on the implications of the emancipation or non-emancipation of these sectors to the future of American society and nation.
From the Paper
"However, over time, a strong public sentiment began forming as atrocities against the black slaves were exposed to the American nation. Because of strong public sentiment against black American slavery and continuing conflict between the South and North, the American Civil War erupted, and the anti-slavery vs. pro-slavery conflict ended with the issuance of the Emancipation Declaration of 1863 by then US President Abraham Lincoln. Thus, African-Americans, unlike the native American-Indians, were able to achieve their freedom from American rule and colonization, bringing down social prejudice and discrimination of the African-American sector in the American society and nation."
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Native-American Totem Poles, 2006.
A review of the Native-American Indian totem pole and it's importance to the culture of Native-American Indians.
1,582 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the role of the totem pole in the lives of Native-American Indians. The paper first provides a brief history of the totem pole from the perspective of the British explorer, Captain James Cook and then goes on to discuss the history of the totem pole in Native-American Indian culture. The paper then explains the process of creating a totem pole, listing the meaning behind the various symbols.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Totem Pole Significance
The History of the Totem Pole
Steps to Making a Totem Pole
Totem Pole Symbolism
The Great Seal of the US and the Canadian Coat of Arms
Native-American Indian Oral Tradition
The Haida Totem Pole
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper
" The Native American Indians did not have a written form of their language and totem pole stories and imagery were shared with the owners of the pole and those who they told. The only meanings which are on record are in cases where the owners of the pole left written record, granted interviews or in cases where the story has been transferred from generation to generation in a story. These stories are referred to as the "oral tradition" which is subject to change and become distorted over time.
According to the website of the Manataka American Indian Council: The Native American Indians placed the totem pole at the front entrance of the family's longhouse for honoring the clan's ancestors, to record the clan's standing, rights and accomplishments, in memoriam of a ceremony or spiritual experience and contains the symbolism of the qualities, experience, and exploits of the family clan. (Manataka American Indian Council, 2006)"
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Native American and European American Cultural Differences, 2005.
A look at why Native Americans and European Americans could never have co-existed peacefully together.
776 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 14.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the vast differences between the cultures of Native and European Americans and explains why, without significant compromise by both peoples, these cultural differences made peaceful co-existence between the groups untenable.
From the Paper
"Given the proper circumstances, the traditional Native American cultures could not have co-existed alongside European American cultures, with both remaining relatively intact and viable because of basic fundamental differences regarding land and life. Each culture respected their own heritage and felt no desire to change their ways for the other. The Native Americans might have made a fatal mistake by believing that they could co-exist with the Europeans while the Europeans, as demonstrated in Andrew Jackson's message, had no such intentions. Examining how each culture viewed these issues reveals how, without compromise, any attempts to co-exist were futile."
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Native Americans and European Epidemics, 2002.
A study of the effect of European epidemics on the lifestyle of Native Americans.
1,640 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the arrival of Europeans on North American shores with respect to the way that it affected the lifestyle of Native Americans. It focuses on the diseases introduced to North America by these Europeans. The paper begins by providing a background to the way of life of the Native Americans before the arrival of the Europeans. It then turns to the arrival of epidemics in North America, responsible for Native Americans suffering higher mortality rates than at any other time in human history. The most common diseases introduced to the "New World" at the time are discussed as are the affect these diseases had on the Native American mortality rate. The paper then turns to the way that the lifestyle of Native Americans was affected by these diseases. It speaks of the weakened ability to resist colonization and the Europeanization of Native American culture. It concludes by proposing the argument that the introduction of these epidemics was not accidental, and that they were intended to weaken the defenses of Native Americans against the colonizers.
From the Paper
"In early America, when people of three continents came together, the Native Americans were dramatically affected by epidemics, suffering higher mortality rates than any other time in human history. (Geier, 1991) People from Latin America, North America and Europe merged, each carrying and introducing diseases indigenous to their own societies.
"When the Native Americans first encountered common European diseases like smallpox, measles and dysentery, millions died. In extreme cases, 90 percent of certain Indian tribes died as European epidemics swept through their villages."
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Native-American and Chinese Culture, 2004.
A comparison of Native American and Chinese culture.
3,175 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 11 sources, MLA, £ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a comparison and contrast of the Native American culture with the Chinese culture. The paper claims that there are several similarities. "Native American" and "Chinese" are all-encompassing descriptive terms of the many different tribes and dynasties of each culture. Both cultures have rich, meaningful customs that are still passed on today, unlike many ethnic groups that have lost some of their culture due to the changing times. The paper contends that Chinese and Native Americans still believe in their own form of mythology. The paper discusses the social, political, and economical aspects of these two cultures.
Outline
I. Introduction
a. Two Richly Historic Societies
II. Social
a. Native-American Creation
b. Birth of Chinese Culture
c. Compare and Contrast
III. Political
a. Native-American Politics
b. Chinese Political Systems
c. Compare and Contrast
IV. Economic
a. Early Native-American Economy
b. The Start of Chinese Economics
c. Compare and Contrast
V. Conclusion
From the Paper
"Throughout their history, Native-Americans have been historic people of change. Food discovered and domesticated by Native-Americans would transform the diet of the incoming settlers and not just the offering that has been made famous as the "First Thanksgiving." Native-Americans also made many important contributions to modern medicine, art, architecture, and ecology. It is not widely taught but during the thousands of years preceding European contact, the Native-American people developed ingenious and creative cultures. They harvested plants for food, dyes, medicines, and textiles. They hunted and domesticated animals. They also established extensive patterns of trade which helped them build cities, "produce monumental architecture, developed intricate systems of religious beliefs; and constructed a wide variety of systems of social and political organization ranging from kin-based bands and tribes to city-states and confederations" (Mintz, 2003)."
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