MY NATiVE AMERiCAN STORY

Zitkala-Sa. The Soft-Hearted Sioux

Wearing a foreigner's dress, I walked, a stranger, into my father's village. Asking my way, for I had not forgotten my native tongue, an old man led me toward the tepee where my father lay. From my old companion I learned that my father had been sick many moons. As we drew near the tepee, I heard the chanting of a medicine-man within it. At once I wished to enter in and drive from my home the sorcerer of the plains, but the old warrior checked me. "Ho, wait outside until the medicine-man leaves your father," he said. While talking he scanned me from head to feet. Then he retraced his steps toward the heart of the camping-ground. My father's dwelling was on the outer limits of the round-faced village. With every heart-throb I grew more impatient to enter the wigwam. While I turned the leaves of my Bible with nervous fingers, the medicine-man came forth from the dwelling and walked hurriedly away. His head and face were closely covered with the loose robe which draped his entire figure. He was tall and large. His long strides I have never forgot. They seemed to me then as the uncanny gait of eternal death. Quickly pocketing my Bible, I went into the tepee.

Zitkala-Sa. "The Soft Hearted Sioux". 20 Mar. 2008. Ed. Boss, Judy <http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccernew2es/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=2&division=div1>

Reflection: When searching for stories this one caught my eye because it showed a young boy, who happened to be quiet independent, and how he gained respect from others and how he had the strength to go out his own to accomplish the goals his family trust him to carry out. I chose this because I have a passion for young people and how they are independent, since independence is one of the things that I strive to have. As far my every day life this excert from this story gives me the extra boost I need to believe that I can do anything that I put my mind to.


Dear Diary,

When we reached the new world and got off of the ship I was amazed at what I saw, especially as I began traveling. As I traveled I ran into a an tribe of people, when I questioned them who they were they claimed to be Sioux Indians. These so called Indians turned out to be great people who welcomed me with open arms. Which was very surprising because I have heard stories that the natives of this land where the type to open up to outsiders, and when they did just that I was blown away.

In particularly there was one teen age boy who I took liking to. His name was Zitkala-Sa, he was very helpful when it came down to me getting settled and getting use to this new way of life. While I was staying with the Indians I learned many things about their way of life. Zitkala-Sa was not home even though he seemed so comfortable, he had been sent out by his family hunt. When the to of us spent time alone he would tell me all about his family and that tales that have been past down from generation to generation. Since Zitkala-Sa and I had become such great pals he asked me if i would return home with him to meet his family. Of course I said yes and the next day we were off.

Another important thing that became noticeable when we reached the boys home is that the tribe had very different beliefs and customs than where Zitkala-Sa now live. But even though he had been away from his home for so long he had not forgotten his native tongue ad began to fit in as if he had never left. When we reached his home Zikala-Sa had told me that a friend told him that his father was really sick and when we reached there the medicine-man happened to be treating him so we had to wait out side. I could tell by the look in the boys eyes that he was not comfortable even once we reached inside he sat with a anxious look on his face and I had no clue what to think. But the strangest thing happened, when the medicine man returned to check on his father the boy sent him a way, he wanted to help his father by practicing what he had picked up on. Zitkala-Sa'a father was puzzled by his sons actions and felt as though he was in the wrong and the medicine man was need to cure him.

Danielle Rene

Essential Question: In a country where the American Dream is "Free" to all, how is community affected when all cannot achieve the "dream"?
Although the Native Americans are the true Americans therir dream is not the considered the American Dream. The white mans dream is and to these Natives it has become their nightmare.

One of the events that took place is when the mayflower arrived to this place we call America. These people came here for a new start, new land and a new life, which is exactly what they got. Even though they encountered some problems they still found what they where in search for. But the one thing that they did not expect was there to people already here, who where know as the native Americans or Indians. In this political cartoon the Indians are saying "Okay, I'll be nice, but they'd better not stay long", which shows that when these people came over on the mayflower may the natives were not so open to having new people on their land. This also implies that maybe the Indians were not happy when these new people decided to stay for longer than anticipated. Furthermore this maybe the reason there is such animosity about immigrants. In any event if this is true this really proves that things that happen in the past may occur in the future.

OF PLYMOUTH PLANTATiON

"What could now sustain them but the Spirit of God and His grace? May not and ought not the children of these fathers rightly say: "Our fathers were Englishmen which came over this great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness; but they cried unto the Lord, and He heard their voice and looked on their adversity," etc. "Let them therefore praise the Lord, because He is good: and His mercies endure forever." "Yea, let them which have been redeemed of the Lord, show how He hath delivered them from the hand of the oppressor. When they wandered in the desert wilderness out of the way, and found no city to dwell in, both hungry and thirsty, their soul was overwhelmed in them. Let them confess before the Lord His loving kindness and His wonderful works before the sons of men." (Bradford)

Reflection: After reading this story I really began to understand what the people coming to American had to go through. I also began to have compassion for them since they had to stick it out with such hard circumstances. Furthermore I admired how these people kept there faith through it all. No matter what they continued to praise and worship the one they knew to help them in their times of need. This applies to my everyday life because its help me to have a better understanding of faith and that for good things to happen you have to keep your faith and not give up.

Dear Diary,

Our journey to America was long and hard and everyone knew that once we reached the destination that everyone would be happy and that God was certainly the one to thank because by his grace we were brought to America. Since everyone seemed happy to reach land and arrive at to this great world groups began to wonder to see what could be found. Everyone began to become hungry and thirsty but through the midst of everything that was going we still continued to glorify the God that we served.

Danielle Rene

One of the biggest issues that is talked about in our country is immigration and how people from all over the world are migrating into our country illegally. But what is the real issue with people from other countries searching for a better life. Is it that they live here without paying taxes, or is the real issue that Americans do not want aliens in out country. In this political cartoon the state of liberty is holding a bill that says "Immigration Reform Bill", which states "send us your best and brightest point-getters, yearning to raise our G.D.P. All the others pay a fine of $5,000 and maybe you can stay." This proves that Americans only want people from other countries if they are will be bring in some money for the economy. Which goes to show that America can come across cold-hearted, as if they do not care for people and their feelings. All in all by immigration being such a big topic of discussion and America only wanting these people here for financial reasons it goes to show that America is not all that it is made out to be.

ANNE BRADSTREET

To My Dear and Loving Husband

If ever two were one, then surely we.

If ever man were loved by wife, then thee;

If ever wife was happy in a man,

Compare with me, ye women, if you can.

I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold

Or all the riches that the East doth hold.

My love is such that rivers cannot quench,

Nor ought but love from thee, give recompense.

Thy love is such I can no way repay,

The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.

Then while we live, in love let's so persevere

That when we live no more, we may live ever.

To Her Father with Some Verses

Most truly honoured, and as truly dear,

If worth in me or ought I do appear,

Who can of right better demand the same

Than may your worthy self from whom it came?

The principal might yield a greater sum,

Yet handled ill, amounts but to this crumb;

My stock's so small I know not how to pay,

My bond remains in force unto this day;

Yet for part payment take this simple mite,

Where nothing's to be had, kings loose their right.

Such is my debt I may not say forgive,

But as I can, I'll pay it while I live;

Such is my bond, none can discharge but I,

Yet paying is not paid until I die.

Upon Some Distemper of Body

In anguish of my heart replete with woes,

And wasting pains, which best my body knows,

In tossing slumbers on my wakeful bed,

Bedrenched with tears that flowed from mournful head,

Till nature had exhausted all her store,

Then eyes lay dry, disabled to weep more;

And looking up unto his throne on high,

Who sendeth help to those in misery;

He chased away those clouds and let me see

My anchor cast i' th' vale with safety.

He eased my soul of woe, my flesh of pain,

and brought me to the shore from troubled main.

Reflection: After reading the following poems I came to the conclusion that Anne Bradstreet is a loving person and poet, and likes to expresses situations that she goes through. Also Bradstreet comes of as someone who expresses themselves in witting better than verbally. I can relate to this because I too express myself better in writing. These poems also show you the time period that they took place in, for example in To My Dear and Loving Husband she says, "I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold Or all the riches that the East doth hold," which proves that during this time there were riches that were to be held in the East that no one knew about bu when they were found she wanted her love to be better than that. However though Bradstreet shows her affection for her husband she still goes through some obstacles and writes about them in a way they you feel the pain that she is going through. As for in Upon Some Distemper of Body Bradstreet explains that, "And wasting pains, which best my body knows, In tossing slumbers on my wakeful bed", which allows me to fell the pain that she is going through and feel as though if i were in her shoes. To me Anne Bradstreet is a wonder full poem who takes the reader and puts them right into her situation and is able to feel the emotions that she

conveys in her poetry.

Dear Diary,

When i first laid eyes on these poems I thought they were remarkable. One thing that is so great is a couple that share love for each other equally. In these times you see that alot and I hope as time passes that people who happen to get married keep that same kind of love. Also another thing that is great about this poetry is that its expresses how we, as people coming to this new world have faith that things will work out and that is what she is hoping their love will stand through the same thing. Futhermore I love that though she may be happily married she still experiences troubles that she also expresses in her poetry. These days we all go through things that hit us hard, the movve to America was not an easy one, and when you have been through such a long hard journey you learn when you get hit with an obstalce be ready to pick yoursevle back up and prepare for the next one. I guess its just a good feeling when you know there is someone out there that feels the same way you do.

HUSWiFERY

By: Edward Taylor

Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat;

Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for mee.

Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate,

And make my Soule thy hly Spoole to bee.

My Conversation make to be thy Reele,

And reele the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheele.

Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine:

And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, winde quills:

Then weave the Web thyselfe. The yarn is fine.

Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.

Then dy the same in Heavenly Colours Choice,

All pinkt with Varnish't Flowers of Paradise.

Then cloath therewith mine Understanding, Will,

Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory;

My Words and Actions, that their shine may fill

My wayes with glory and thee glorify.

Then mine apparell shall display before yee

That I am Cloathd in Holy robes for glory.

Reflection: After reading over this poem, and analyzing the meaning of the stanzas I came to understand the message. Which to me was that during this time period Taylor was searching for God's grace in order to get him through the obstacles that he face. The most interesting thing about it for me is that its almost like a prayer. Using the spinning wheel to show the process of gaining Gods trust was really interesting to me because it allowed me to believe that if you keep your faith in time things will pay off. Also by Taylor's repetion of the word "make" it leads the reader to believe that he was desparte for the grace of God.

Dear Diary,

Edward Taylor really spoke to me through this piece. During these hard times this poem gave me the inspration to look at my faith in a different way. This move to America was a very difficult one and with the grace of God I feel as though I am able to acommplish anything. Furthermore this religious poetry underlies the unity among all things in God's creation and how to recviev this grace I must go through a transformation. I now have come to apreciate the fact that I have come to America because it has made me have a better relationship with God.

Danielle Rene

SiNNERS iN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD

"It is no security to wicked men for one moment, that there are no visible means of death at hand. It is no security to a natural man, that he is now in health, and that he does not see which way he should now immediately go out of the world by any accident, and that there is no visible danger in any respect in his circumstances. The manifold and continual experience of the world in all ages, shows this is no evidence, that a man is not on the very brink of eternity, and that the next step will not be into another world. The unseen, unthought-of ways and means of persons going suddenly out of the world are innumerable and inconceivable. Unconverted men walk over the pit of hell on a rotten covering, and there are innumerable places in this covering so weak that they will not bear their weight, and these places are not seen. The arrows of death fly unseen at noon-day; the sharpest sight cannot discem them. God has so many different unsearchable ways of taking wicked men out of the world and sending them to hell, that there is nothing to make it appear, that God had need to be at the expense of a miracle, or go out of the ordinary course of his providence, to destroy any wicked man, at any moment. All the means that there are of sinners going out of the world, are so in God's hands, and so universally and absolutely subject to his power and determination, that it does not depend at all the less on the mere will of God, whether sinners shall at any moment go to hell, than if means were never made use of, or at all concerned in the case. " (Edwards)


Reflection: The message that I received from reading this piece of work is that it does not matter whether you are a wise or wicked man your fate is still in the hands of God. Also it does not matter what a wicked man may do in his life time God is the only person that has the power to send this man to hell. All in all the fate of anyone is in the hands of God, especially when it come down to that person being a sinner. God makes the ultimate decsions on whether the man changes or stays wicked and then is sent to hell. This passage applies to me because it mke me poner the things that I have done in my life, and whether they were good or bad, God is the only one with the power to send me to heaven or hell.

Dear Diary,

After reading Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, it opened my eyes to realized that many people who have moved to this New World have lost their way in a sense that they are not doing the are not sticking to the way they use to live and thinking that they will get away without being punished. But after reading this book it opened my eyes to see that these people will be punsished for the actions they have decides to take. Furthermore the only real punishment can come from God, since the fate of everyone is held in his hands.

Danielle Rene

PURiTAN ESSENTiAL QUESTiON

Essential Question: In a country where the American Dream is "Free" to all, how is community affected when all cannot achieve the "dream"?
For the Puritans the American Dream is just to be close with God and to receive his grace. But since this dream can not be attained by all it leads the community to believe that person have found disfavor with God.

EQUiANO'S NARRATiVE

So Equiano begins his narrative in the unassuming, yet ardent voice that carries the reader throughout his life story. He makes his plans entirely clear: he intends his narrative to open the world's eyes to the degradation and inhumanity of slavery. Yet he knows, too, that merely preaching of goodwill towards Africans would not turn any heads. He must show directly the irony that those naming others "barbarians" were the barbaric ones themselves. His intensely personal story, with detailed descriptions of what he saw -- cruel or ordinary -- and of how one African dealt with forced encounters with different lands and cultures, was what it would take for Englishmen to relate and thus to understand. Despite his words in this first paragraph, Equiano did lead an extraordinary life. For one, he was not subject to the extent of horrors of some of his kinsmen --- lifelong bondage to grueling work with no chance of freedom. The modesty with which he views his experiences, triumphant or degrading, will sometimes contrast with the interpretation the reader makes -- furthering Equiano's message. His experiences had "happened to many" and to a far greater intensity. The reader then can imply the absolute horrors of slavery for the rest of the African population. Second, Equiano's life was extraordinary for he found a means to aid his brethren. He was extremely fortunate to acquire learning and literacy, and only through them did he touch the powerful with his words. As a angry slave, Equiano would have had trouble furthering his cause. As an ex-slave, a newly-connected member of British society with powerful ties to wealthy merchants and humanitarians, humble ties to sea men and servants, and moral and spiritual ties to clergymen, Equiano -- "neither saint, hero, nor tyrant" -- related to all. His narrative found immense popularity throughout the world.


Reflection: After reading Equiano Narrative it opened my eyes to see that not every person that was an slave had a bad life all their lives. Even though Equiano was a slave he becaome very smart and had ties with very powerful people.


Dear Diary,

Today I saw one of the most sophisticated black men that I have meet in a long time. He spoke with class and seemed to be quite intelligent. His name was Equiano, and me being a white woman was surprised that I was able to hold a conversation with him that actually had some dept to it. I was amazed and it made me realize that not every black person is of a low status, so maybe everyone in this new world should be treated equally. Just a thought.

Danielle Rene


Essential Question: In a country where the American Dream is "Free" to all, how is community affected when all cannot achieve the "dream"?
Even though Equiano on the outside was not the most likely person to acheive some sort of american Dream he did. For most black there dream was probaly to become educated and he did that. Furthmore he was known by powerful people and got farther that most people of his race and background during these day.

REVOLUTiONARY PERiOD

Patrick Henry - "Give me Liberty or Give me Death"

http://www.liberty-page.com/foundingdocs/givemeliberty/main.html

Reflection: Both Paine and Henry have mentioned some of the same issues in their pieces. But Henry is more about patriotism. Henry wants whatever is good for his community and the country that he lives in. On thing that I found interesting is that he feels as though he does not have freedom and feels a sense of slavery is oppressed upon him, which Paine also brought up. “Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts”, says Henry to me this was a really bold statement but it allowed me to see that he was speaking straight from the heart. Furthermore this quotes shows that the people have a dream but something is coming in between them that dream, which also proves that The American dream is there but it is not obtainable by the community.

Dear Diary,

Today a good frined of mine handed me the document with the title "Give me liberty or give me death" which was written by Partick Henry. After reading I began to have so many questions and conerns about the way things are being ran in our socitey. I also came to find myself agreeing with many of the issues that Partick Henry has mentioned. For example the other day a friend and i were talking and the issue of how we left England for a better life but it seems as though things are just as bad. Nothings improving and everyones dreams are sliping away, its like when it seems we're taking a step forward but it seems to be two steps back. Patrick Henry is not the only person that is felt like shouting to the poeople in charge "Give me liberty or gve me death", many men in the community have began to even act on what they feel is right. As for me I have come to realized that the way we're living is not reight and something should be done, but everyone should remember violence is not the answer.

Danielle Rene

Thomas Paine- "Selection from The Crisis No. 1"

http://www.puc.edu/Faculty/Rosemary_Dibben/English11/NewNation/PaineCrisis1.pdf

Reflection: After reading the Crisis written by Thomas Paine it gave me a better understanding of what the “common” people might have felt during this time. Also I began to realize that Thomas Paine was a man who had a strong opinion and beliefs about what was going on in the community that he lived in. For instance he states how “Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth”, which proves that he does not like the way Britain is running American. Also this goes to show that Britain continues to oppress his people even though they are no longer living there and tries to call it another name. To me Thomas Paine is just fighting for the civil liberties that he thinks he should get and by doing so he put a lot of emotions in to “The Crisis” which shows that all of these issues are something that he feels strongly about. Another part of “The Crisis” that I love is when Thomas Paine expresses that “What signifies it to me, whether he who does it is a king or a common man; my countryman or not my countryman; whether it be done by an individual villain, or an army of them? If we reason to the root of things we shall find no difference; neither can any just cause be assigned why we should punish in the one case and pardon in the other”, which employs that Paine wants everyone to be treat equal and that no matter what your background you should face the same consequences as others.

Dear Diary,

After reading Patrick Henry's document "Give me liberty give me death" I began to look further into the people who are standing up for what they believe in when it comes down to what events are currently taken place in our society. As doing so I came aross a selection of "The Crisis" created by Thomas Paine. Who also has some of the same beliefs as Patrick Henry. The big issue that they both seem to cover is ther fact that the are in a new place but they are still being oppressed by the higher authority in England. Which I also feel strongly about and since I have being reading so many documents written by goal driven individuals, which has caused me to began writting about the way things are and how we need a change. But to do so I will continue to read these sort of documents to give me inspration, Thomas Paine has inspired me the most to do so. I guess beacsue of the power and emotion behind his words that have gotten me to feel so passionate by the issue, so we'll see how far we get into seeing some change in America.

Danielle Rene

Essential Question: In a country where the American Dream is "Free" to all, how is community affected when all cannot achieve the "dream"?

After reading what Patrick Henry and Thomnas Paine has to say I came to realize that even though they came to America so that there dream could come true it did not, which lead to many problems through out the community. So the answer is yes, when the dream is not achieved by the ones who strive for it lead to conflict in the community with the way things are ran. But furthermore it leave the citizens wondering if things are really worth the fight.

Personal Extension:

How are you working to live out your American Dream?

What do you do when you hit an obstacle?

My American Dream is to blossom into a beautiful woman, who is lved for many things and is known for showing love to others. Furthermore I will like t be sucessful in everything that I do and to have a loving family as well. To acheive this dream I know that I have to work hard, very hard. I will have to go thorough many years of school and be sucessful during these years. During these years I know that I will be facd with many challenges and to overcome thesei will continue to work hard and push through whatever is set in front of me.

iNTERViEWS

Have you achieved your American Dream?

Brenda Long:
I believe that I have achieved the American Dream that I have set for my self. It was not an easy journey but I made the most of what I have to make the best of every situation. I went to school for what I wanted, physical therapy, and that is what I am doing today.

Neighbor:
My American Dream was to become a successful business man and to have a loving family, and that is just what I have. It took some time to get here I am today but I am here. There were some people who tired to bring me down but I stood strong and looked at all these experiences as life's lessons. and because of this I now have a loving wife, kids, grand kids, I'm stable financially and I am able to enjoy all the finer things in life.

Daniel Hands:
When I was a child I had many dreams but I was not always on the right track to achieve them. I tired my very best to make something of myself. I can say that I have not fulfilled my American Dream, but today I am still trying to achieve my Dream.
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This is my dad and I know that he is very hardworking and things might not have been the best for him growing up but I know he strives to make the best of what he is haned. When having this conversation my dad was not defensive but I realized that even though he tries the dream my be out of reach, which makes things harder for him to reach.

EMERSON

Section from Self-Reliance

If any man consider the present aspects of what is called by distinction society, he will see the need of these ethics. The sinew and heart of man seem to be drawn out, and we are become timorous, desponding whimperers. We are afraid of truth, afraid of fortune, afraid of death, and afraid of each other. Our age yields no great and perfect persons. We want men and women who shall renovate life and our social state, but we see that most natures are insolvent, cannot satisfy their own wants, have an ambition out of all proportion to their practical force, and do lean and beg day and night continually.Our housekeeping is mendicant, our arts, our occupations, our marriages, our religion, we have not chosen, but society has chosen for us. We are parlour soldiers. We shun the rugged battle of fate, where strength is born.

Reflection: When reading self reliance I began to realize that they way society makes things or the way society is portrayed is how we as people act so we do not chose the way we live but follow the tend. In Self Reliance Emerson makes sure to point out that to imitate someone is denying your individuality or committing suicide. From the selection above the main thing that stuck out to me was how Emerson explains how everyone is made in a different ways and that we all have flaws furthermore we as people fear things that are essential in life no matter your age.

Dear Diary,

I’ve been adapting to life here in America, there has been so many changes. Some changes for the good and some for the bad, living here sometime you began to lose a sense of who you are and follow everyone else. Self Reliance really opened my eyes to see why people are the way they are. It helped me to evaluate my self and see where I stand in this ever-changing world.

-Danielle Rene

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Selection from Nature

First, the simple perception of natural forms is a delight. The influence of the forms and actions in nature, is so needful to man, that, in its lowest functions, it seems to lie on the confines of commodity and beauty. To the body and mind which have been cramped by noxious work or company, nature is medicinal and restores their tone. The tradesman, the attorney comes out of the din and craft of the street, and sees the sky and the woods, and is a man again. In their eternal calm, he finds himself. The health of the eye seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.

Reflection: After reading piece of Nature by Emerson I went back to this passage which i felt was very true to life today. Life is so moderizeied and most forget that around us personaly I'm not really all that in touch for nature but when I'm around it I appreciate it. Emerson writes nature to let people know that youw should take a step back, get out and enjoy the nature around me. In this selction from nature Emerson shows how people recieve nature in different ways an it can used as an escape from the world. Here Emerson furthers that concpet by using the example that of someone that works all the time and may be very busy nature could be the thing that takes them out of there busy lives to find an inner peace with nature and its beauty so a person could be made whole[man] again.

Dear Diary,

Today I had a new appreciation for nature, form this day forward I am promising myself to take the time out to stop and appreciate the beauty around me. I guess you’re wondering what has gotten into me, oh and don’t worry I’m going to tell you. Today I was at my neighbor’s house when I saw that they were reading something by Emerson. I shared with them how I had read self-reliance and fell in love with it and how I would love to read Nature. So they let me borrow it and after reading I couldn’t wait to get outside in the out doors. Emerson had such a way with words that made you understand what he was talking about. His words were so real that I felt as if I was there with him. Today I can say because of Emerson I have found love in something that is so pure and beautiful, nature.

-Danielle Rene