discussion

 

Instructions

What you need to do

Write a response in which you address the following prompt:
Native American literary texts often address the ongoing impact of European colonization on Native American people and communities. How do the assigned readings this week depict or explain the trauma that Native Americans have experienced as a result of colonization and how do these texts also demonstrate the resilience of Native communities or people in resisting colonial oppression?

Make sure your answer uses specific examples and brief quotations from the assigned texts to back up your interpretation of its message. 
Your response needs to be at least 250 words (approx. 1 page) long.

  Week 14 (Nov 18 - 24) Native American Literature Weekly Overview This week, in honor of Native American Hentage month, we'll be talking about the origins and development of Native American Literature. Here's some background into to get started: Historical and Cultural Context 1.Diverse Cultures and Languages: Native American nations represent a vast array of cultures, languages, and traditions. Prior to European colonization, there were hundreds of distinct tribes, each with its own language, customs, and ways of storytelling.* 2.0ral Tradition: Native American literature traditionally relied on oral storytelling rather than written forms. Oral tradition includes myths, legends, songs, and stories passed down through generations, often used to convey morals, cultural practices, history, and knowledge of the land. Emphasis is placed on community, memory, and the power of the spoken word. 3.Spirituality and Connection to Nature: Native American stories often include elements of spirituality and a profound connection to nature. Stories frequently reflect a relationship with the natural world, emphasizing respect for animals, plants, and the land as sacred, interconnected parts of life. 4.Impact of Colonization: The arrival of Europeans led to devastating consequences for Native American communities, including forced relocation, loss of land, and attempts to erase Native cultures and languages through boarding schools and other assimilation policies. Much of contemporary Native literature addresses themes of survival, resilience, and cultural preservation. Key Themes in Native American Literature 1.Identity and Belonging: Many works explore what it means to be Native American in contemporary society, often navigating both indigenous and mainstream American identities. 2. Resistance and Resilience: A recurring theme is resistance to colonial oppression and the resilience of Native communities. Literature often serves as a form of cultural preservation, reasserting Native identity and heritage. 3.Land and Environment: The land is central to Native American identities and is often seen as an ancestor or relative, This relationship to the land appears as both a literal and symbolic presence in Native Iiterature. 4. Intergenerational Trauma and Healing: Many stories address the effects of historical trauma, including broken treaties, forced assimilation, and systemic inequalities. Literature often focuses on the healing process, incorporating Indigenous ways of addressing trauma. What you'll need to do this week I'll post a video lecture covering the origins and development of native American literature. You'll need to read a few short texts by contemporary Native American authors Sherman Alexie and Tommy Orange and