7th Reading - I am a Native of North America Flashcards
What are Chief George’s thoughts about the wars in America’s past?
It is difficult for him to understand the deep hate that exists among people. And hard to understand a culture that justifies the killing of millions in past wars and is at this moment preparing bombs to kill even greater numbers.
According to Chief George, why do white people harm the environment?
Chief George thinks that perhaps the white culture only loves things that are his own and has never learned to love the things that are outside and beyond him.
What does Chief George see as a major difference between white culture and Indian culture?
Indian culture prizes friendship and companionship (communal living) where are the white culture prize privacy and hoarding of possessions.
What is the main idea of this story?
To explain the aspects of the Indian life and show the differences from the white culture
What did communal living teach Chief George’s father?
To look at all things in nature as belonging to him and he expected to share them with others and to take only what he needed.
How does his father react when he sees his son gaffing for fish?
He is disappointed - those fish are there when you are hungry. You must respect them and not kill them just for fun.
What does he learn from his father about how people should treat nature?
He learned to love the earth and all its creatures. The earth was his second mother. And everything it contained was a gift.
Why does he have trouble accepting the way he sees people living today?
Because he feels that without love of all things (ourselves, the outside and beyond), we will eventually turn inwardly and begin to feed upon our own personalities and little by little we destroy ourselves.
What does he think of communal living?
His culture of communal living prizes friendship and companionship. And beyond this acceptance of one another there is a deep respect for everything in nature that surrounded them.
