The web resource I chose for this Blog post comes from the "American Philosophical Society" (AKA) (A.P.S). Benjamin Franklin founded the A.P.S in 1743 for promoting useful knowledge in America. This is the oldest society in America, but it also studies cultures from different countries. Within the halls of the A.P.S lives the "Native American Images Project". Native Americans have always been apart of American history and It's shown here at a mind-blowing level. There are thousands of books, over 3000 hours of language recordings, and over 300 manuscript and picture collections of Native American topics. I was happy when I found this gallery, there is even material dating back from the 1600's to present day. With this type of resource we can break the stereotypes of the past. Catlin and other artist tried to instill truth in early America, but back then folks didn't care to understand both sides of the story.
Cultural Sensitivity is used at the "Native American Image Project", to protect the different cultures and traditions of the Native Americans. That to me is a great thing. When we look at today's America, much about the Native American is fading away. When I think about American history the Native American owned this country, but now everything has nearly been stripped away from them. Sure you can argue, what about the reservations? Have you ever been to a reservation? The high unemployment rates, alcohol and drug problems, broken cars litter the lawns and then there is crime. White America wonders why, if everyone knew the real history of some settlers they wouldn't wonder why at all. Even when it comes to Cultural Sensitivity the Native American have to keep on fighting. Maybe it's a NFL team that uses a cultural symbol in all the wrong way, but when Native Americans challenge them they end up losing apart of their very culture. The latest wrong doing seems to be the Dakota Pipeline, another important topic to the Native American but the powers that be don't seem to care about Mother Earth, and continue with their path of destruction.
I for one am happy that the gallery does exist, it will help keep the history of the Native American alive and well. The " Native American Image Project" has an advisory committee made up of members of different Native American communities, they will make sure all information is genuine and cultures along with traditions are protected. Be sure to checkout this website as it contains so much great information. https://amphilsoc.org/exhibit/natamimages
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