Blog #3: Alcatraz

The movement that occurred on the Alcatraz Island was one that helped change the lives of many Native Americans. In 1969 the takeover of Alcatraz fueling the rise of modern Native American activism. This movement sprung awareness to the American public, along with our nation’s government about the unfair American Indian rights issues. This movement brought many American Indians together to fight for their rights. It brought hope and empowerment to those affected by the unfair ruling toward our native people.  On the website http://www.pbs.org/itvs/alcatrazisnotanisland/activism.html, Russell Means proclaims that,

“Before AIM [American Indian Movement], Indians were dispirited, defeated and culturally dissolving. People were ashamed to be Indian. You didn't see the young people wearing braids or chokers or ribbon shirts in those days. Hell, I didn't wear 'em. People didn't Sun Dance, they didn't sweat, and they were losing their languages. Then there was that spark at Alcatraz, and we took off. Man, we took a ride across this country. We put Indians and Indian rights smack dab in the middle of the public consciousness for the first time since the so-called Indian Wars.... [AIM] laid the groundwork for the next stage in regaining our sovereignty and self-determination as nation, and I'm proud to have been a part of that.”

This statement proves how scared this group of people became. Showing how tired of fighting against everyone that they would give up their culture and beliefs in order to try and get by without harassment by others opposing them. The saying ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ comes into effect in this case.

                Before this class I was not aware of this movement. I feel that while in middle/ high school you are not taught about many movements. I think the reason being not because they do not care, or do not want to talk about these types of issues, but because there is not enough time allotted in school to cover issues like these when more simple items are critical to learn such as math and literature. At a younger age, such as elementary school, I do not think that a child could comprehend the complexity of these types of issues. This is why we have higher education, to be able to take classes that can broaden ones perspective from their everyday lives. Issues like these are not brought up outside of school in everyday life because they are in the past. I feel that most discussion I have on a daily basis is not in bringing up past events, but talking about what is happening now, and worrying about the future. So with an event like this, unless you were personally affected by this, it would not be something you would really talk about. I am glad to be in this class though and learn about these events that I was not aware of before.

                 This movement was great for our country to learn more about the culture of American Indians. Like I stated previously many people will tend to focus on their own lives, and seclude themselves from the world around them; especially if they are not aware of the instance. The affects of Alcatraz made it possible to get the word out to the public to be aware of their culture and become more accepting of them as people. Like many issues surrounding culture barriers, I feel that the real problem influenced is the misunderstanding, or lack of knowledge people have towards each other.  Obviously, there are people who are aware of issues, and do not care to help in anyway. But that thought does not reflect the rest of the population.