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| Little People |
My Essay if over the Cherokee Myth’s Unit. This is by far my favorite unit in the class. I think one of the reasons for this is because of the geographical relevance to the students. These are stories and myths that have originated here where we live. The Cherokee people are based in Oklahoma and are a huge part of our nation’s history. I feel that in college, as well as in our society we seem to celebrate the cultures of other nations and we never stop to consider the culture that existed and still exists within our nation what was homegrown. So few times in my college experience have I taken the time to realize that I am surrounded by this culture that is as rich as any other culture on Earth. These stories don’t just give readers insight into the mythology of the Native people, but they act as a historical road map to their belief system. They also continue to be relevant by teaching age old lessons about nature, humanity, and honor. This is one of the most important units in this class to me because it gives voice to the history of the Native people that was not written by the hand of western civilization. This is a account of how Natives view their relationship with the Earth and other humans through their eyes. This makes this a very honest unit in regards to the Native people. After reading one story a reader is able to begin to conceptualize a society that is rich not only in history, but in values as well and a thirst for a better understanding of this history and these values develops which works towards seeking out other Native stories so that a greater understanding of a people can be had.
Picture Attribution
By unknown illustrator [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Hey, Joe! I totally understand what you mean about these units allowing us to view cultures not as we portray them, but as they are themselves. People say that history is written by the "winners," and because of that it is a one-sided narrative--something that can definitely be seen in what little stock we sometimes put on other cultures within our large nation. And these tales are able to give us not simply a history of the peoples, but (as you said) a greater understanding of the values and beliefs of a people who is often overlooked.
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