It is time to talk about forcing people to change their ways because you think you are all-knowing and better than everyone else on the planet. Why is it that so many people think they know best because they have conformed to what the masses think? Think of how different the world would be today if people were accepting of those who were different rather than trying to force them to change their ways.
Yeah, in class we have discussed Latin America and all the different nations there that tried to turn the "uncivilized" people into outstanding, non-barbaric citizens. What defines a barbarian? Isn't exterminating masses of people because they do things differently barbaric? Yet great leaders of Latin America and their followers killed people off every day in order to save their nations from barbarism.
Something I began thinking about after Wednesday's class is not only a nation changing its own people, but other nations trying to dictate how the masses of another nation act and live on a daily basis. Then I thought more about the United States.
First, we went after the people in our own nation, specifically the Native Americans. Most people know that we kicked Indians off their land and killed a huge number of innocent Native Americans. Last semester, however, I learned in another class that not only did the U.S. try to kill them off, but it also tried to in some way to "whiten" Native American children by taking them and putting them into boarding schools. This happened in late 19th century and early 20th century. I was never taught this in grade school, and when I was finally informed about these schools I was shocked. One of the main slogans heard in the U.S. about the boarding schools around this time was "kill the indian, save the child". The indians were different, so of course we felt the need to change them. But honestly was that right? I don't particularly think so. Here are some of the results of the boarding schools:
These people were stripped of their identities and cultures. They were forced to turn into something North Americans deemed more civilized. I think its just a harsh treatment of innocent individuals.
This brings me to present day U.S., and the fact that now we feel the need to meddle in everyone else's business when we're far from perfect over here. Is it really our job to tell people the way they live their lives is wrong? I think it is a hard question to answer because human nature makes us want to spread word about what we feel is best, but a lot of people fail to take the time to get to know someone and what they believe before they determine that person is living their life wrong. Take religion, for example. People go on mission trips all the time to help people, but it is almost as if they think their religion is the only way to help someone, so they try their hardest to spread it. Is it really anyone's place to try to convert someone to another religion? Why can't we help someone just to be nice? So many wars are fought over religion because everyone thinks they're religion is the right one. Is it our place to tell people in the Middle East the way they treat women is wrong? Is it your job to tell someone they shouldn't eat a certain animal just because your religion or beliefs prevent you from doing it? Is there really a right way to dress? The questions could go on and on.
I guess all I am really asking is where is the line? Who is to say what is barbaric and what is not? When is it okay to tell someone everything they stand for, their whole identity, is garbage? I know this post is kind of all over the place but try and think about some of the questions I have asked. It all makes sense in my head!
http://www.twofrog.com/images/rezschool.jpg
http://media.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2007/nov/boardingschool/torlino200-aee851603599e7e4fcf24f6d8e514ebf4eb2584e-s6-c30.jpg
http://americanindiantah.com/Boarding%20Schools/Uniforms.gif
I really like your post. The comparisons you made between Latin America and the United States and the Native Americas were really insightful, plus the questions you asked really made me think. I also completely agree with you about the way the Native Americas were treated here in the United States and how people who are “different” are still treated. Even though we have come all long way since the 1800s, people here the U.S. and all around the world are still discriminated against because of race, religion, and sexual orientation. I think the world would be a much better place if we accepted or even embraced these differences, instead of trying to eradicate them. Your post and your position on these matters also reminded me a lot of the song “Let It Be” by the Beatles.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4zaofnVhps
Yes! Good connection, the song is perfect for this post. I love the Beatles. Let's all be hippies and accept everyone for who they are! :D
DeleteI really like your post too Alexis. I've been thinking of these same kinds of questions as we've read about Sarmiento and his desire to civilize Argentina. I think the best part of your post is that you've connected it with our world today.
DeleteWe're still trying to tell people what to think, say, and do all the time. Everyone's out there telling each other how they should feel via Twitter or Facebook. It's more subtle than it used to be. People aren't waving swords in each other's faces saying they have to pledge loyalty to their country or their religion or they will be killed. But, I think it's out there more than ever, and a lot of people don't even realize it.
The worst part about it is that people are afraid to accept differences. And I mean really, really accept. As a nation we're very conscious about being Politically Correct. We make sure to call black people African American and we tell teachers they can't bring their religion or their politics into the public classroom. But being politically correct isn't the same as accepting. In fact, it makes the problem worse. People try and shelter their thoughts, like they aren't supposed to share them with other people. They live through their idols because they're too afraid to be real with everyone. We're not accepting, we're just hiding. We still have a long way to go.
Fortunately, I think people are beginning to see this. Our world is becoming more and more connected. Some of us are embracing new ideas and cultures everyday. That's exactly why Macklemore won so many Grammy's the other night and why he won best album. He's not the best rapper, but he embraces differences and he's not afraid to say it like it is. Here's some lyrics from his song "same love" to tie it all together.
"Playing God, aw nah here we go
America the brave still fears what we don't know.
We press play, don't press pause
Progress, march on
With the veil over our eyes
We turn our back on the cause
No law is gonna change us
We have to change us
Whatever God you believe in
We come from the same one
Strip away the fear
Underneath it's all the same love"