Socratic Seminar Online- Black Elk #1
Black Elk was criticized for sharing his experiences with John G. Neihardt who later went on to write "Black Elk Speaks". Chapter 3: The Great Vision explained Black Elks spiritual experience at the age of nine. That vision was his rite of passage which is a very sacred aspect of the Native American culture. That would explain why Black Elk sharing his experience with Neihardt is considered betrayal of Native American culture. I believe they consider it betrayal because the Native culture itself is very authentic and sacred, but on the other hand his decision on sharing such an important part of his life and inserting all of his experiences throughout his life in a book. Publishing this book would spread knowledge of Black Elks experience and the future of the Sioux tribe.
I strongly agree with your statement. Especially when you said, “Publishing this book would spread knowledge of Black Elks experience and the future of the Sioux tribe.” And you’re completely right and accurate. His intentions weren’t a sign of betrayal or disloyalty, it was to save the Native culture.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree on your statement that publishing the book would spread knowledge of not just his experence but his tribe. Also that his intentions were not to betray his tribe but to make them rise once more and help them climb to the top.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on why Natives consider it betrayal. I think that the spread of this knowledge is helping keep Natives alive. Black Elk believed that too and that's why he "betrayed" his traditions and tried to help.
ReplyDeleteI mucho agree with your idea that what he did wasn't betrayal. Even though other natives see it as betrayal in reality he is persevering the native culture and saving it for being forgotton. Even if it meant to break a tradition as to sharing his vison which is sacred .
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you said that by publishing this book it would spread knowledge on the black elks. His purpose is to help his culture rise and be comprehended. He didnt aim for betrayal he is aiming for the rise of the sioux tribe.
ReplyDelete