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Jaren Johnson
Professor Nathan Cole
English 2810; Course Reflection
06MAY2014
English 2810: Course Reflection
English 2810, Native American Literature and Experiences began with the debate on
theories surrounding the inhabitation of the Americas, and how these ideas translate into modern
day experiences and perspectives of Native Americans. The history of the inhabitation of the
Americas includes the arrival of European explorers and settlers and continues to this day.
The story of the Americas, and the indigenous peoples of North America, provides
modern insights into the overall history of the world. The idea of cultural encroachment and the
convergence of foreign nations is as old as time. The relatively modern history of Europe
encroaching upon the Americas is useful in identifying the attitudes of humankind, and the
consequences of viewing other civilizations as a group to be conquered and assimilated, rather
than as real people with thoughts, hopes, dreams, and feelings.
The approach taken by European explorers and settlers upon Native American inhabitants
resulted in genocide, enslavement, displacement, and imprisonment to reservation lands. The
consequences of this are still manifest today by an indigenous population that is collectively
consigned to poverty, isolation, poor health, addictions, and a loss of identity and purpose in the
modern world.
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Despite the ravages of multiple nations converging upon the aboriginal peoples of the
Americas, we still find thriving populations of American Indians who are proud of their heritage,
and living in varying environments with varying degrees of prosperity and quality of life. One of
the greatest challenges to modern-day Indians is maintaining the customs and traditions of
previous generations, while accessing the opportunities of the modern world.
The limited access that Native Americans have to the modern world is exhibited in
manifold ways. This limited access can be due to isolation (reservations in remote areas),
language barriers, subpar educational opportunities, cultural conflicts, as well as discrimination
and prejudice that may be exhibited by the population within the over-culture.
The outcome of the course is to contemplate the condition and experience of modern-day
Indians. We have been encouraged to contemplate what can be done, and what needs to be done
on all levels in order for Native Americans to best access, and benefit from the opportunities of
the modern world, achieve the highest quality of life, and to maintain a strong and proud identity
that allows indigenous people to find strength and value in their heritage as sons and daughters of
their native land a land created for them by the Creator. Finally, we are led to consider the state
of all people, and the importance of being aware of the state, condition, and the experience of our
brothers and sisters that are all around us, and to recognize the importance of opening doors to
one another, and creating a world that is accessible, prosperous, and fulfilling for everyone.