“Do not judge a man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins.” We could learn so much about another person if we just walked a mile in his moccasins. If we could experience another person’s heartache, troubles, joys, and sorrows, we could learn so much about another culture. We could experience what others feel when we judge them, and maybe even realize that our stereotypes and judgments are very cruel and wrong.
The study of views between the two cultures was good to read. It expressed how little Americans know about the men and women who once made a home on American soil. We forced the Native Americans away and we still do not fully understand who they are and what they believe. Native American and Americans alike crave the knowledge and understanding of the other culture. Each side wants to know the other, but generations of abuse, the lack of understanding, and constant stereotypes and judgments stand in the way.
Native Americans have been hurt for many years. They were removed from their sacred lands and forced to venture west. After this their children were sent to schools such that “killed the Indian, and saved the man.” Today, Native Americans are depicted on the uniforms of several national sport teams. The media depicts Native Americans to appear savage and even uncultured. Even American children are stereotypical when they dress as the “savage Indian” for Halloween. The hurt will not disappear, as many Native Americans will still be hurt and wary after so many generations of abuse, but we may have a good chance at ending it. We should never forget what Native Americans went though, what they are still going through today. Choosing to understand someone else and walk a few moments in their moccasins may give us the opportunity for peace and understanding.
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