In the past 4 years at UC davis (really the past 21 years of my life) I have remained seriously undereducated about the trials of the Native Americans. I have always thought of myself as a well read, open-minded person and yet I haven't explored this incredibly important aspect of my countries history. It seemes to me that regardless of how much we learn about another race it is impossible to truly put ourselves into their shoes, to truly understand what it is like to have the history that they have. This is the reason that I chose to name my blog "the squameleon." It is an ingenious combination of the words squid and chameleon... essentially because I couldn't decide which animal I enjoyed more. In short, the history of Native Americans, though incredibly important to learn about and attempt to understand, is one that, because of the passing of time, the obscuring of truth, and my own separation from their culture will remain elusive and ever-changing as more and more knowledge presents itself. Thus, it is.... a squameleon.
You bring up some good points about how much we can ever know about another culture's experience. We can learn, and discuss, and participate, but we can never know what it's like to be in another person's (much less another culture's) position. It'a also true that we could use this as an excuse to learn nothing, but that doesn't seem to be the answer either. So, this is all to say, kudos on signing up for a class to learn about something new to you!
ReplyDeleteSweet, another person who named their blog after animals! I like how you chose the chameleon as one of your animals, as its classic trait is its ability to change colors, something that could signify many different things within the context (like the cunning innate in survivance).
ReplyDeleteI also feel like I've been brainwashed with images of "Cowboys and Indians," and I'm sure this class will help to enlighten everyone.