Native Americans

Today during class we spoke about the different depictions of Native Americans found in 19th century paintings. We gave extra attention to the last painting on the powerpoint slides, containing a illustration of America's land and people being led from east to west by the Columbian angel. DeAne posed the question to our class if whether or not we thought that this painting should be in every household in America. I just wanted to take the time on my blog to elaborate on what I feel is the importance of this painting in today's society. First of all, I believe that the painting is a reminder of the oppression of Native Americans during the 19th century and throughout the Westward Expansion. What do I believe that Americans should do with this information? I guess I simply believe that Americans should know all of the history, all of the truth about what happened to Native Americans, and what happened to New Englanders in this time period. Americans should know struggles of the Native Americans, and they should recognize the wrongness in many of our actions. Because not all of what happened was right or just for either race. Americans should recognize the value of that land to the Native Americans, and what it meant for their culture. And maybe people should recognize that Native Americans deserve something to "pay dues" for what happened in the past, but perhaps Americans should not think of Native Americans as just a race that was oppressed, but a race of rich history and cultural backgrounds. Instead of a painting depicting the worst of times for Native Americans, I would prefer to have a painting of Native American's greatest accomplishment in America, because I want a positive reminder of what Native Americans have done for our country.