I reviewed the video created of Floyd Red Crow Westerman http://youtu.be/g7cylfQtkDg. This video, spoken from the voice of an elder
(Mr. Westerman), is conveying the perspective of the Native Peoples of North
America. He speaks about the ability his
people had to foresee the “coming and going” of America (0:35). The stages of development that have to be experienced
are a purifying and then a renewal stage, he says that renewal is near(0:15). I have not taken the opportunity to study
the Native People of North America but with some of the stereotypes that are
portrayed in the media I have always considered them very spiritual people
although not religious. But, when I see
this video it makes me wonder how it never crossed my mind that these native
people could have foreseen what was to come.
I am very spiritual and believe in the gift of prophecy so
it was refreshing to see a video like this included in the course curriculum. I think this was included because it
addresses some of the stereotypes of associated with Native Americans in the spiritual
sense but also it magnifies their belief of living from and protecting the
earth in a time where we are openly stripping the earth of Her gifts and
resources for monetary gain. (Queue
Micheal Jackson “Earth Song” http://youtu.be/XAi3VTSdTxU
also see live performance http://youtu.be/buCdGwH2Efc)
Mr Westerman also describes our connection to the earth by
saying that over 95% of our body is water and how we rely on “good” water to stay
healthy (4:11). He describes the natural
water sources as healthy before the invasion of the Europeans and how those
sources subsequently became contaminated after their arrival. He also speaks about our human connection to
trees by shared DNA (4:35). Trees and
humans/animals breath in and expel opposite gases therefore providing an even
exchange with one another.
The inclusion of this source was a gift and it does a great
job of expressing the Native American beliefs that everything on Earth is
connected and has a spirit and should be treated as such. This was a great piece for me to encounter because
I share those same beliefs from my exposure to other metaphysical teachings so
it does not alter my view of the Native People but further confirms what I believed
about them. They are wise and connected
people and not bloodthirsty savages as the Europeans try to portray them as.
Earlier in the post I mentioned Michael Jackson “Earth Song”. This song comes to mind as I cover the
material in this module. This song was
released in 1995 and it was a very memorable song for me. It was then, at the age of 10, that I realized
I had compassion for the earth and could recognize what was being done to
disrespect it and the creatures on it. I
apologize if this takes me off-topic, but in this informal setting I thought it
would be appropriate to intertwine some of the things the readings bring to
mind.
- (Part 1) Indigenous Native American Prophecy (Elders Speak part 1) http://youtu.be/g7cylfQtkDg
The most interesting thing about this course, so far, is reading about the prophecies of the Native American elders. Speaking just for myself, when I read them, and consider the emotions behind them, it makes me feel bad that the natives knew these bad things were going to happen, and they knew that their livelihoods and their cultures were in danger of extinction. They believed that the Great Spirit would guild them but they had no faith that the white man would listen to the Great Spirit and come in peace. Their narratives portrayed a sense of disappointment in the Europeans neglect of the Great Spirit which they believed would guide the white man down the wrong path where greed would take over. The amazing thing, though, is that many of these prophecies came true when the Europeans came in and took what they wanted with a complete disregard for life and nature. It just makes me wonder who the more civilized societies were, the Europeans who murdered for material gain, or the Natives who fought for survival.
ReplyDeleteBased on the discussion topics- it sounds as if many of the students found the video source very informative and also helpful in confirmed the strong connection that many native feel to nature.
ReplyDeleteI truly found the videos inspiring and breathtaking. The background locations and the Native Americans that were speaking were mesmerizing. I also knew that the American Indians were spiritual and believe that the earth itself had many spirits. But the prophecies that have come true make me think of modern day fortune tellers or mediums. The 6th sense that some people have today seems to be a natural occurrence for the Native American.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed watching these videos. I was amazed to see how much of what was prophesied by Indians is true. The Native believe is at one with nature. They understood that the earth did not revolve around humans. Humans are put on the earth by the creator and have everything we need. Thus, we must only use what we need to. Rather, the Europeans were selfish, greedy, and never thought of real consequences for destroying the earth. To me it seems so obvious to respect the land as a gift. To be grateful and take care of it. Without the land and all its resources we would not exist. I hope more people become environmentally conscience before it is too late. It is just a shame the Native people were disregarded so much. They are very wise and the Europeans should have listened to them.
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