Scott Martin - Creative Connector: Chpt. 3

“As Whites, we usually don’t even think of ourselves as having culture; we’re simply ‘right.’ Dominant groups don’t hold ‘perspectives,’ the hold ‘truth.’” (p. 54)

I’m not so sure I hold much faith in this comment. Yet, on the flipside, I can see how it is possible to have that opinion. I can see what Howard is saying in the ability of whites to hold “truth” because we generally have the option of either seeing that worldview or exhibiting our culture. As in my last post I touched on my Irish heritage and their own struggles in the past. I don’t see that struggle as truth, just my culture which I am extremely proud of and celebrate it as much as possible… I have that option.

When speaking with a friend of African descent, he doesn’t have that option as clearly defined as I do. Yes, he can celebrate being African, but what exactly is that? That would be like me celebrating being European. I have the option of exploring and understanding the Irish history, tradition and stories, he does not know if he was from Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Niger, or any other area of modern day Africa. We have the choice as whites to celebrate our past… others don’t

“His vision of the melting pot idealized the Americanization process whereby new immigrants could ‘melt away’ their distinctive differences and emerge in the image of Anglo-conformity.” (p. 56)

I find this a tough subject to tackle from the American and historical perspective. This melting pot ideal was not a new idea throughout history. We, as The United States of America just adopted it as out mantra. The defeated of the Roman Empire were expected to forget their past and worship the Roman gods, to become Roman. The Crusades were to rid the heathens and redeem their souls in the Middle East. Even throughout Europe with the Norman invasion on 1066 in England. Each and every aspect of conquest and colonization was to rid the ideals that existed prior and make them agree to the new worldview.

“Christianity further restricted the parameters of truth and choseness by establishing their Messiah as the single arbiter at the gates of heaven.”

Well, this following post is not intended to demean anyone’s belief structure. But to touch on Noelle’s post about questioning the “timing” of finding God, historically, the way that one had to find God was through extreme strife and extinction. I fully believe that the spread and influence of religion, Christianity in particular, has lead to more death and destruction that every war in the history of man combined. Yes, I have no data to back up that comment, but it was the basis of the formation of this country… religious freedom… just as long as you were Christian. God help you if you believed in multiple gods or the Great Spirit as the indigenous people did… the white man with his Bible was coming for you.

Scott Martin - Essence Extractor: Chpt 3

This was an interesting chapter… being a fan of history and the influences it brings. I loved to see the idea that the Europeans bringing colonialism and all the burdens, ex. Slavery, religion, disease, etc., that came with it would shape us still to this day. I look at our curriculum from history to art education, and it is nearly a complete Eurocentric study.

Scott Martin – Rigorous Researcher: Chpt 3

Aboriginal Australians:

Indigenous, Aborigine, or Aboriginal Community:

· Australia is home to many different Indigenous or Aboriginal clans, also known as Aboriginal nations or tribes. Among the largest and most prominent of the remaining clans are the Pitjantjatjara, Arrernte, Luritja, Tharawal, Wiradjuri, Wonnarua, Alvawarre, Guugu, Yimithirr, Gabi Gabi, and Yorta Yorta Peoples.

· All of Australia's Indigenous Peoples are, or were at some point, seminomadic hunters and gathers. As a result, tracking of both animals and plants is considered a particularly important aspect of Aboriginal culture.

· Today, 32 percent of Australia's Indigenous community lives in urban areas and 43 percent live in regional centers.

· Health is a major concern for Australia's Indigenous Peoples. Infant mortality rates are 10-15 percent and life expectancy falls short of the rest of the population by 17 years (59 for males and 65 for females).

· Art is an integral part of both Indigenous culture and economy in Australia. An estimated 70 percent of total art sold in Australia was created by Indigenous artists.

(9/30/2010). Australia: Indigenous Peoples, Aborigines, or Aboriginal tribes of Australia: Pitjantjatjara, Arrernte, Luritja, Tharawal, Wiradjuri, Wonnarua, Alvawarre, Guugu, Yimithirr, Gabi Gabi, and Yorta Yorta Peoples. Retrieved from http://www.culturalsurvival.org/australia?gclid=CIvNkabbr6QCFaVn5QodchQWzQ

For more information please visit the above link.