Wilma
Mankiller
The one thing that really attracts me to Wilma Mankiller
is her positive outlook on life. To me
it seems that keeping this kind of positive outlook helps to keep a healthy
mind and soul. During the video she
speak optimistically of the future of the Native American people holding on to
their culture in years to come. She
points out all that they have been through over the years since the white man
had come to North America in particular loss of land, water, lives, and forced
assimilation. She states that even after
going through all of that they are still her today and how strong their bond is
as a group and their desire to stay together and hold on to what they know. Her speech is so encouraging because as she
points out all that they have gone through and encourages others to look to the
future in an optimistic manor. She even quotes
her favorite Mohawk proverb and states “It’s hard to see the future with tears
your eyes” and she states that she adds “or with anger in your heart.” She stresses the importance of thinking and
looking towards the future in this was and teaching the children the same to
that the future will also be bright for them.
She does mention that this type of thought process does not come easy
and that it takes discipline. I remember
as a young girl in elementary school our teacher showing my class a picture of
a glass with a half glass of water. She
asked us do we see the glass half full or half empty. Everyone had their opinion, but mine was half
empty. She told us that those of us who
saw it half full were optimistic and those who saw it half full were
pessimistic. I never forgot that. Even today when I look at the glass I see it
half empty but only in the picture. My
thoughts and actions in life are positive in nature but it does not come
easy. It does take much discipline and
reminding on my part. To hear Wilma talk
about the same is so empowering and whenever I start to see that glass half
empty I will try to think of her.
References:
Wilma Mankiller Video retrieved from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVLgwpHSYv0.
Image:
www.colorado.edu
Word can't express how much feeling I have after watching this video. She knew how to take an issue and talk about it like she was a part of it. I'm a sensory person so listen to her voice instead of reading what she says had more an impact on me. There's something in her voice that tell you that she was is and will always be a woman who gave her knowledge freely.
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