Integrating American Indians into the society
The American Indians have alienated themselves from other American citizens for a long time, despite the several attempts to integrate them into the mainstream American society. This alienation has been essential in helping the Native Americans to preserve their culture and becoming united as their predecessors (Poliandri 10). Such unity has been essemtial in ensuring individual development and overall growth of a community that has long faced various oppositions. Hence, the American Indians should continue living in separation since it is their right, the attempt to change them is not genuine, and their culture promotes cultural diversity.
First, the Native Americans should continue to preserve their lifestyle since they have a right to live as they wish. This is because they are equal citizens just as the rest. This right gives them the sovereignty to live as they wish provided they do not interfere with other people’s rights or violate the law in the process (Poliandri 39). Thir belief and hope to keep their heritage should not trashed by efforts to assimilate them to the western culture. Therefore, the American Indians can live in alienation and preserve their lifestyle through routine practice of their culture (Poliandri 39).
Additionally, the Indians can continue living in alienation since the attempts to change them are not genuinely intended to help them. According to Poliandri, the government has tried to change them through forming the allotment and termination policies (38). The government portrayed these policies as suggestions to improve agriculture and manufacturing respectively. Although, the policies’ main perpetrators were selfish individuals mostly comprised of the elite and nonindigenous (Poliandri 38). Thus, the opinions of the political and economic elites does not suffice as enough reason to guide the fate of a community that has for long tried to protect its heritage.
Third, the Native Americans should not be integrated into the mainstream American society so as to preserve the diversity in the American culture. These Indians have unique qualities in their culture that have enabled them to remain united and different from the rest of the Americans for a long time (Poliandri 39). This difference is important to achieve a society rich in diverse cultures that are impressive and visionary (Poliandri 175). The globalization of the world has put to tes most communities and their cultural beliefs, which is a critical issue that the America Indians now face. If the Indians are to have a future as a community and pass their ancestral values and beliefs, then maintaining their heritage will go a long way in ensuring they stand the test of time and embrace their culture.
Finally, the reasons above are substantial enough to advocate for the preservation of the American Indian culture. It is evident that the integration of the Indians into the mainstream American culture will interfere with the diversity and rights of the American Indians. Besides, the individuals interested in changing the Native Americans have selfish intentions that would only benefit them. These reasons make it worthy to protect the ethnic group from those intended to change them. Education on cultural diversity and the importance of maintaining their diversity and values as a community should, thus, be encouraged to prevent this diverse culture from beig washed away. Lastly, respect from the government and other Americans will go a long way in ensuring that future generations experience the ulture of the American Indians.
Work Cited
Poliandri, Simone. Native American nationalism and nation re-building : past and present cases. 7th ed., State University of New York Press, 2016. Print.
