Blog 3

A woman from the Powhatan tribe pictured above.

After reading the curriculum guide, I noticed how both articles tried to keep the historiography as factual as possible, but the sentiment differed greatly. In the curriculum guide, it seemed to try to be more neutral and almost sugar coat the information so that it would not be too graphic or disturbing for high school students, which is understandable. In Zinn’s article, he uses explicit detail and countless quotes so that the reader can sympathize with the Native Americans. I enjoyed both articles, but I think that Zinn’s article affected me more and tugged at my heartstrings more than the curriculum guide. As for historiography, the curriculum guide seemed to give a broader overview with more information, and Zinn seemed to get more detailed with certain topics, like how the Native Americans expressed their feelings about the European settlers trying to conquer their land. The ideology was similar throughout both articles, but Zinn pushed much more in trying to make the reader despise the European settlers. Still, I think the curriculum guide is appropriate for a high school student to read to get the information that s/he wants to learn. I think that the information given was perfect for the lesson plans they were following and for the questions that were asked. I personally prefer Zinn’s article because of the honest sentiment displayed.

Nieto Article

I really enjoyed Nieto's article. I think it sets a great base for future teachers to keep building on. I have seen many teachers not be able to leave their personal feelings and opinions out of the classroom, which does not let them keep an open mind to diversity. Every student deserves to be treated and taught fairly. I really agree with Nieto when she discusses the quick fixes that are fed down teachers' throats. Such broad problems take a lot of work and time to solve and must be worked on through generations. Being open to diversity is a problem that may never be solved, but as long as teachers are willing to put forth effort to care equally for each of their students and also make sure that the students are respectful to each other, so much can be accomplished. It is important for teachers to tend to everything; on broad aspects as well as small details. Teachers not only need to make sure that culture and diversity are being integrated into the classroom, but also focus on little things throughout the day. Students often use terms such as “gay” or “retard” or “fag” very casually, but this is a small detail that teachers can effectively stop now to help students respect each other and have them understand that being an individual is not bad. It's extremely difficult to change an entire society's thought on diversity, but I think a great place to start is with teachers in the classroom.

Chapter 2 Letter

Dear Holly,

My name is Thomas McKenney. I have very strong beliefs about education and how using it will civilize Native Americans. I have been the head of the Office of Indian Affairs for a few years now, and I believe that it is time to teach the Native Americans all about our culture so that they will no longer need to use their current ways of life. Over ten years ago, my ideas were approved by Congress in the Civilization Act of 1819 so that Native Americans could attend tribal school systems taught by white Europeans. By having Indian children in schools, they can be civilized in one generation. This will make for a quick and easy progress, and soon they will be brought closer to our white European level. We will also take the Native American land to civilize it since they will no longer need to use it. I think that the Native Americans will be excited and motivated to learn and use our culture since it is much more advanced than their own. The picture on the left is a picture of a Native American woman in one of the tribes with her child. By educating him and others, the country will be a better place. The tribal schools will be all over the country, and I know that this is the best way to control our society.

Sincerely,
Thomas L. McKenney