Pressure Points in GROWING UP INDIAN

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Aug 14, 2007

Pressure Points in GROWING UP INDIAN

by Dr. Witt, a Native American and anthropologist

A very nice article, and very well written, with regard to child rearing practices of the American Indian child....

"Many traditional Native people believe that children are especially beloved by the spiritual powers since they have so recently come from mystery. Those same traditions hold that striking a child, punishing a child, or treating it without respect may cause it to return to the mystery from which it came..."

....often in comparison to the non-Indian child.

"As soon as they can toddle, they become part of the larger group of household or neighborhood children, watched over by older siblings, cousins, or other members of the extended family male and female. In the play group, one seldom sees the severe age grading and sex segregation that seems to distinguish Anglo play groups."

The article appears to be an older article, possibly 20-25 years old (looking at the dates)....but still a wealth of information, for it provides a good view into this area of the American Indian culture. It also provides a glimpse into the deep frustration when cultures clash...Indian vs Anglo...in how children are to be raised and how they are to become responsible citizens one day.

"Many experience a feeling of guilt for the first time in their lives and don't know how to deal with it. As time goes by, their ability to contrast the two worlds becomes more acute, and all the more poignant. Family and tribe lose out to the insistent noise of the Anglo world, its teachers, preachers, television, and John Wayne movies. History is redesigned to show that "White is Right," that manifest destiny is inexorable."

The auther concludes with:

"In the final analysis, then, if growing up is never easy, growing up Indian in Anglo American today is doubly difficult. Yet, we are duty bound to confront and try to solve the unique problems that engulf Native children as they try to become resilient adults in a generally inhospitable American society."

The entire article may be read here:

http://www.indianreader.com/indian.html