Neither Wolf Nor Dog
I'm learning a lesson I wish I'd learned long ago.19 total reviews
Comment from BethShelby
I enjoyed reading this. It is good to try to understand other cultures and have more appreciation and toleration for their differences. As you say, the younger generation is embracing the changes, This is always the case. The young people tend toward wanting to be like the general trend of society, while the older poeple want to hold on to the past. The truth is we've all lost our idenity with the culture we came from. Most Americans come from a mixture of European or African cultures. None of us retain many of the traditions of our forefathers, Change is unstopable. In time it is likely the Indians will be intergrated into our way of life to point they too will no longer be a separate culture except in isolated places where there is less access to modern society.
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2023
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I enjoyed reading this. It is good to try to understand other cultures and have more appreciation and toleration for their differences. As you say, the younger generation is embracing the changes, This is always the case. The young people tend toward wanting to be like the general trend of society, while the older poeple want to hold on to the past. The truth is we've all lost our idenity with the culture we came from. Most Americans come from a mixture of European or African cultures. None of us retain many of the traditions of our forefathers, Change is unstopable. In time it is likely the Indians will be intergrated into our way of life to point they too will no longer be a separate culture except in isolated places where there is less access to modern society.
Comment Written 29-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2023
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Hello Beth,
thanks so much for your insightful comments. I think because this elder realizes that change is unstoppable, he wants there to be a true history of his people, not a watered down version that is politically correct and acceptable. The natives are a proud people, but misunderstood on so many levels. He doesn't want the white man's version of how a native is to be the standard that people think that they are. He's a wise man, and I'm glad to get to know him through this book. Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
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I understand. Maybe just getting the history straightened will comfort him. It sounds like a very good book.
Beth
Comment from Tom Horonzy
You go, friend. Well thought out conversation with yourself. Thanks for sharing. I especially like this one line; The idea of owning the land was foreign to them. The earth was their mother. Still, I don't understand "white privilege." There are always people that are more privilege than another, even within their own tribe. Much of the time it is earned.
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2023
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You go, friend. Well thought out conversation with yourself. Thanks for sharing. I especially like this one line; The idea of owning the land was foreign to them. The earth was their mother. Still, I don't understand "white privilege." There are always people that are more privilege than another, even within their own tribe. Much of the time it is earned.
Comment Written 29-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2023
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Hello Tom,
You make a good point. The elder mentioned that people in the native culture became chiefs because they were leaders, they weren't just voted in. According to him though, if I understand correctly, being a chief didn't come with additional benefits. Some chiefs were followed for a season because they had what the tribe needed at the time. When that season of need was over, whether diplomacy or war or whatever, the people followed someone else who was fulfilling the current need. I don't accept the trend in this country of teaching white privilege. I think it's just another woke ideology that is meant to separate us a country, making it easier for outside interests to come and take over. Thanks so much for sharing your views. Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
". . . for many years America wanted to destroy the Indians, now they want to be them."
I don't pretend to understand the feelings of the Native Americans, but I do know we've never been kind to them. Every time I watch a football game and hear that "war chant" the crowd does, it makes me cringe.
The book sounds interesting, Tom, and you bring a lot of truths to light.
I remember the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and how everyone was suddenly native. I'm sure many took advantage of that who weren't native at all.
I think it's interesting that you lived and worked with natives, but you feel you'll come away from reading this book knowing more than you learned from living with them. People don't always share themselves with "outsiders", I guess.
Well told story, Tom. Enjoy the rest of the book and thanks for sharing it with us.
Pam
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2023
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". . . for many years America wanted to destroy the Indians, now they want to be them."
I don't pretend to understand the feelings of the Native Americans, but I do know we've never been kind to them. Every time I watch a football game and hear that "war chant" the crowd does, it makes me cringe.
The book sounds interesting, Tom, and you bring a lot of truths to light.
I remember the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and how everyone was suddenly native. I'm sure many took advantage of that who weren't native at all.
I think it's interesting that you lived and worked with natives, but you feel you'll come away from reading this book knowing more than you learned from living with them. People don't always share themselves with "outsiders", I guess.
Well told story, Tom. Enjoy the rest of the book and thanks for sharing it with us.
Pam
Comment Written 29-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2023
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Hello Pam,
thanks so much for the generous review and well thought out comments. The government, which was primarily controlled by white men, really did a disservice to the native population. Consider the trail of tears that the Cherokee were subjected to. The native children were taken from their parents and sent to government schools. Their culture required that they not look others in the eye when they were speaking, and they were taught to think about what they were going to say before they spoke. The elder said that this was unacceptable to the teachers, not understanding the native ways, so the kids were considered stupid and less than their Caucasian counter parts. There were so many terrible things done to the native population, from the taking of their land to the abuse of their children. Had they had the technology of the Europeans, they might have stood a fighting chance of hanging on to their way of life. I can't change the past, sometimes I wish I could, but I can certainly learn from it. Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
A touching write Tom and your empathy is clear here. Unfortunately we cannot all live like natives as it would impede progress and we need to learn and gain knowledge in order for the human race to survive. The native people must realise that the earth has a shelf life and it will not exist in the future. If humans are to survive we need to find another planet in the solar system to live on. Whilst I would not want this way of life to die completely and they should be allowed to live they way they want to live, we have to also appreciate living in the 21st century and if whites accept the natives then the natives must also accept the whites. I think you are compassionate and caring Tom and I admire you greatly for who you are. We do live in a world of excess and greed, but we also live in a world where technology is constantly growing and we need to grow with it and not fight against progress. This is just my opinion, I loved your write as it reminds us to empathise with others, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2023
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A touching write Tom and your empathy is clear here. Unfortunately we cannot all live like natives as it would impede progress and we need to learn and gain knowledge in order for the human race to survive. The native people must realise that the earth has a shelf life and it will not exist in the future. If humans are to survive we need to find another planet in the solar system to live on. Whilst I would not want this way of life to die completely and they should be allowed to live they way they want to live, we have to also appreciate living in the 21st century and if whites accept the natives then the natives must also accept the whites. I think you are compassionate and caring Tom and I admire you greatly for who you are. We do live in a world of excess and greed, but we also live in a world where technology is constantly growing and we need to grow with it and not fight against progress. This is just my opinion, I loved your write as it reminds us to empathise with others, love Dolly x
Comment Written 29-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2023
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Hello Dolly,
thanks so much for the exceptional review and the thoughtful comments. Of course technology can be a good thing, and I believe I understand where you're coming from. I don't think the elder wanted to keep everyone where they were in the eighteenth century, but there are certain values that should have been adhered to, and I think that he sees those values being destroyed. There is a huge environmental movement on the planet, and much of what they do I disagree with, but the natives always had a respect for the land. When the west was starting to be populated, entire herds of buffalo were wiped out by the buffalo hunters. They didn't use the meat, in many cases they just took the tongue or the hides. The natives used every part of the animal. When the buffalo were destroyed, the Indians started to starve. It was one way to control them. The native children were forced into government schools, away from their families and punished if they used their native language. Smallpox infected blankets were given to the natives, wiping out thousands. I understand what you're saying about the natives needing to respect the whites, but given the way they were treated, I don't blame them for not trusting the government. I'm white and I don't trust the damn government either. I do appreciate your thoughts gal. You bring something different to the table to contemplate. Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment from Wendy G
This is extraordinarily similar to our Australian history with our First Nations people, our Aboriginal peoples. They too had no concept of land ownership. Everything was shared. The whole community cared for the land, and they moved from place to place, to allow respite for the land. They managed fire well and harnessed it for productivity, never out of control. So much to learn from them if we are willing and respectful. Excellent writing. So many important points to be noted. The "whites" are not always right about everything, and not always very bright. Thanks for sharing.
Wendy
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2023
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This is extraordinarily similar to our Australian history with our First Nations people, our Aboriginal peoples. They too had no concept of land ownership. Everything was shared. The whole community cared for the land, and they moved from place to place, to allow respite for the land. They managed fire well and harnessed it for productivity, never out of control. So much to learn from them if we are willing and respectful. Excellent writing. So many important points to be noted. The "whites" are not always right about everything, and not always very bright. Thanks for sharing.
Wendy
Comment Written 29-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2023
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Hello Wendy,
thanks so much for the exceptional rating and your insightful words. Because our culture did and does value material things so much, the native way was never embraced, which is really too bad. They were very much a sharing culture, and initially shared with the white men, but their kindness wasn't reciprocated. I find it interesting that things like the environmental movement have taken off in recent years. The native way always respected the earth and the animals, using what they needed and leaving the rest. While reading this book I find that I don't agree with everything that the elder says, especially concerning some of the religious beliefs, but he is spot on in so much of what he says. I hope that I can incorporate some of his thoughts into my way of thinking. Have a blessed evening gal.
Tom
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It was an excellent piece of writing and I hope it challenged many readers to have open hearts and minds.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
Thank you for this book review, Tom. I'll check if there is an audiobook as I'd more likely listen to a book as I have too much reading online. You already have a better understanding because you lived with and worked with Tlingit people. It's clear you have respect for other people no matter their ethnic backgrounds. So thank you for being you! Your interview with Jake White was no different than with any of the other fishermen. You treated them with equal respect.
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2023
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Thank you for this book review, Tom. I'll check if there is an audiobook as I'd more likely listen to a book as I have too much reading online. You already have a better understanding because you lived with and worked with Tlingit people. It's clear you have respect for other people no matter their ethnic backgrounds. So thank you for being you! Your interview with Jake White was no different than with any of the other fishermen. You treated them with equal respect.
Comment Written 29-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2023
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Hello Helen,
thanks so much for the outstanding review and your generous comments gal. I fear that I'm guilty of judging the natives by my standards Helen. I couldn't understand how they could be living in an outdoor paradise and discard things like old cars or washing machines right in their front yards. Part of it is that the modern natives don't know or respect the elders ways, and part of it is wanting to have what everyone else has. In some cases, there is too much "free" money, and there is no need to care for what they had. I wish I had read this book before I moved to Hoonah. I would have had a better insight into native ways and thoughts. As I mentioned in the chapter with Jake, I was wondering if he was going to speak or not. I realize now that he was thinking about what he was going to say, instead of just spouting off without making any sense. As always gal, you treat me so kindly. Thanks for the generous review.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
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I'd like to read that book but I'm reading so many things now, I don't think I'd get to it. So thank you for sharing. Let's keep learning what the Lord wants us to learn. 💖
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Powerful piece--masterful incorporation of the book theme--you could have written a worthy cover blurb! Compelling and provocative challenge to the reader.
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reply by the author on 28-Jan-2023
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Powerful piece--masterful incorporation of the book theme--you could have written a worthy cover blurb! Compelling and provocative challenge to the reader.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 28-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2023
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Hello Liz,
So nice to hear from you. Thanks so much for the wonderful review and encouraging words. I love this book. It's not so much a bitch session, as an enlightenment. I find that in my dealings with the natives, they have a tendency to be brutally honest, something that so many people are offended by. Good to hear from you gal.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment from damommy
I have great love of the Native American. I had an uncle by marriage who was truly full-blooded Cherokee. No doubt about it. In the 50s and 60s, his grandchildren weren't allowed to go to public school because of Indian blood, even thought their father was a U. S. Marine Major. I had never encountered prejudice against these people before. And don't get me started about the way Natives were treated from day one. Remember Chief Joseph? Breaks my heart.
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2023
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I have great love of the Native American. I had an uncle by marriage who was truly full-blooded Cherokee. No doubt about it. In the 50s and 60s, his grandchildren weren't allowed to go to public school because of Indian blood, even thought their father was a U. S. Marine Major. I had never encountered prejudice against these people before. And don't get me started about the way Natives were treated from day one. Remember Chief Joseph? Breaks my heart.
Comment Written 28-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2023
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Hello Yvonne,
I'm surprise that you're still up. Maybe it's not as large of a time difference as I thought it was. In any event, thanks so much for the wonderful rating and comments. The natives really got a raw deal from the the government and the people that it represented. The book, for all it's commentary, isn't so much a complaint I don't believe, as a statement of fact. I really can't capture the nature of the book in a small article like I've written. Dan, the native, speaks of getting in trouble in school because he didn't look at the teacher directly, something he was taught was disrespectful. Also, he didn't answer her questions right away, so she thought he was stupid. In his culture, he was taught not to speak too quickly, but to think about what he was saying. As he pointed out, the teacher just wanted him to answer the question, right or wrong, he wasn't supposed to take the time to think about the answer. I've spoken to many natives and I've noticed that they have long pauses between speaking. The tendency of white people is to step in and fill the void with words. So far this book has been quite the learning experience. I wish I could have read it years ago, it would have helped me in my relationship with my friends and neighbors in Hoonah. Have a blessed evening gal.
Tom
Comment from Moonbeams Musings 55
I would absolutely love to read this book. I am actually going to see if it is on Amazon after I finish up on my laptop. I am sure my husband would enjoy it also. It is appalling and shameless how their land was stolen. Thank you for sharing!
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2023
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I would absolutely love to read this book. I am actually going to see if it is on Amazon after I finish up on my laptop. I am sure my husband would enjoy it also. It is appalling and shameless how their land was stolen. Thank you for sharing!
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 28-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2023
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Hello Moonbeams,
thanks so much for the fine review. I was fortunate enough to receive a copy from a friend who reads several books a week. Somehow he manages to find some of the most interesting books to read. He had also sent me a book that Judiverse had happened to mention on this site a few weeks ago. It's titled- Killers of the Flower Moon. It documents the murder of a number of Osage Indians who were killed because they owned land that oil had been found on. The Osage were pushed off of their productive lands onto some rocky scrub land that no one else wanted until oil was discovered on it. After I read that one I was totally disgusted with the treatment of the natives of our land. To think that money would be a reason to take another person's life is totally repulsive to me, and it was happening on a regular basis. The Osage were treated like animals or worse. Thanks again for the review. Have a blessed evening.
Tom
