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Pros And Cons Of Native American Women

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Native American Women: Economic and Political Mores “That all these women be shared among the men, that no individual woman and man should live together, and that the children, too, should be shared, with no parent knowing its own offspring, and no child its parent”(147 Plato) Up until approximately 400 BC, it was inferred that women should have the basic political, principle rights men do. In Minnesota, there is evidence and examples of how the tribes such as the Ojibwas dealt with and were influenced by some of the actions that took place. The Indians were forced deeper into dependency, women treated disrespectfully, and exploitation was taking place at a rapid pace. Because of the changes that took place from the invasion of European settlers, …show more content…

The autobiography of Zitkala-Sa capitalizes on the role of Native American women. Zitkala-Sa’s mother had to choose whether she wanted her daughter with her in the village or to be taken away to the Western culture and go to school where she could be safe from Americans settling on their Dakota land. Her decision was further complicated by the fact the Americans persuaded Zitkala-Sa to attend the American school. Ultimately, she did decide to attend school where she would then be separated from her mother, which eventually led to regret and remorse. “The tears trickled down my cheeks, and I buried my face in the folds of my blanket. Now the first step, parting me from my mother, was taken, and all my belated tears availed nothing” (Zitkala-Sa pg.432) Society attempted to change Zitkala- Sa into a new generation and nationality. Returning from her education and time away, she saw her mother and wonders to herself, why she didn’t meet the standards of the newcomer’s adjustments. "Mother, why is not your house cemented? Do you have no interest in a more comfortable shelter?" I asked when the apparent inconveniences of her home seemed to suggest indifference on her part.”(Zitkala-Sa 454) This is inferred that due to the actions taking place in the New World and what is becoming of Minnesota, that there is no power asserted with the mother figure as much as it used to

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