From Sand Creek By Simon Ortiz In The American Literature Te

From Sand Creek By Simonortiz In The Textbook Americanliterature Sin

Part I: After reading the lesson this week, I find myself relating to Simon Ortiz’s perspective on the Sand Creek Massacre and the broader historical injustices faced by Native Americans. Ortiz’s narrative emphasizes the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural identity and addressing historical trauma. I connect with Ortiz’s advocacy for awareness and honesty in confronting difficult history because I believe understanding and acknowledging past atrocities is essential for healing and progress. His emphasis on respecting indigenous perspectives resonates with my own belief in the importance of listening to marginalized voices and acknowledging their experiences rather than allowing historical narratives to be sanitized or suppressed.

Part II: Comparing two poems that describe America—Walt Whitman’s “I Hear America Singing” and Robinson Jeffers’ “Shine Perishing Republic”—illustrates contrasting perspectives shaped by different historical contexts and personal philosophies. Whitman’s poem celebrates the diversity, vibrancy, and collective spirit of the American workforce, reflecting an optimistic view of America’s unity and potential. Conversely, Jeffers’ “Shine Perishing Republic” offers a more skeptical perspective, warning that America’s ideals may be fading amid societal decay and environmental degradation. These differing perspectives could result from their respective contexts—Whitman writing during the Civil War’s aftermath, emphasizing national hope, versus Jeffers expressing concerns about ecological and political decline. Thus, their contrasting views reveal the complex narratives surrounding American identity: one of hope and unity, the other of caution and critique.

Part III: Joy Harjo’s “The Problem of Old Harjo” explores issues of identity, cultural preservation, and societal misunderstanding. Harjo’s problem revolves around the ongoing struggle of Indigenous peoples to maintain their cultural integrity amid a country that often ignores or misinterprets their history and contributions. This challenge is not inherently a flaw in a diverse nation but a reflection of systemic inequalities and cultural erasure. Addressing this problem requires ongoing dialogue, recognition of Indigenous sovereignty, and incorporation of Native perspectives into national narratives. While some might argue that such issues should be resolved for societal harmony, I believe these challenges can be viewed as assets. They serve as reminders of the nation’s diversity and complexity, fostering resilience, cultural richness, and the opportunity for growth through acknowledgment and inclusion.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected readings from this week’s literature provide profound insights into American identity, history, and cultural diversity. Among the authors studied, Simon Ortiz's narrative on the Sand Creek Massacre particularly resonated with me, as it underscores the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths about history to foster understanding and reconciliation. Ortiz’s approach emphasizes storytelling as a means of cultural preservation and resistance, echoing the necessity of listening to marginalized voices that have long been silenced or distorted in mainstream histories. His perspective invites readers to reflect critically on the narrative of American history, acknowledging atrocities committed against Native peoples and understanding the ongoing impact of those traumatic events.

Similarly, the comparison of Walt Whitman’s “I Hear America Singing” with Robinson Jeffers’ “Shine Perishing Republic” highlights the spectrum of American self-perception. Whitman’s poem embodies an optimistic view of America as a land of diverse, hardworking individuals contributing to a collective identity. It celebrates the vibrancy and unity of the American populace, fostering a sense of national pride and hope for the future. Conversely, Jeffers offers a scrutinizing critique, warning that America's ideals may be deteriorating amid societal corruption and environmental decline. These divergent perspectives are shaped by their historical periods and personal worldviews—Whitman writing in the post-Civil War era, emphasizing hope and renewal, while Jeffers expresses a more skeptical outlook influenced by ecological and political crises during his lifetime.

The third aspect of this week’s exploration involves Joy Harjo’s “The Problem of Old Harjo.” Harjo discusses the ongoing cultural and social issues faced by Indigenous communities, emphasizing that the problem is rooted in systemic neglect, misrepresentation, and marginalization. Her perspective suggests that these challenges are not inherent flaws in America’s foundational diversity but are consequences of structural inequalities that need to be addressed. Solving this problem requires societal acknowledgment of Indigenous rights and histories, fostering respectful dialogue and ensuring Indigenous voices are included in national narratives. While some might see these issues as hurdles to societal progress, I believe they should be viewed as assets—potent reminders of America’s cultural richness and diversity, offering opportunities for growth through understanding, inclusion, and respect.

In conclusion, these texts collectively underscore the importance of recognizing multiple narratives within the American experience. They challenge readers to think critically about history, identity, and cultural diversity, encouraging an ongoing dialogue about America’s past and future. Addressing issues of cultural erasure and systemic inequality not only enriches the national fabric but also transforms challenges into acts of resilience, fostering a more inclusive and authentic American identity.

References

• Ortiz, S. (2001). From Sand Creek. In American Literature Since the Civil War.
• Didion, J. (1968). Why I Write. In American Literature Since the Civil War.
• Stevens, W. (1933). A Postcard from the Volcano. In American Literature Since the Civil War.
• Dickinson, E. (xxxx). I'm nobody, who are you? Poets.org.
• Baraka, A. (xxxx). An Agony. As Now. Poetry Foundation.
• Dunbar, P. L. (xxxx). We Wear the Mask. Poetry Foundation.
• Jeffers, R. (xxxx). Shine Perishing Republic. Poetry Foundation.
• Ginsberg, A. (xxxx). America. Poetry Foundation.
• McKay, C. (xxxx). America. Poetry Foundation.
• Cullen, C. (xxxx). Heritage. Poetry Foundation.