The choice between assimilation and extinction throughout Native American history has been a recurring issue due to colonization and forced relocation. To start, one would need to think about their own cultural identity and how it will exist in the future. To elaborate, assimilation entails adopting the culture of the hegemonic group, or the more dominant group over another (What Is Imperialism 00:01:59). This would mean adopting the hegemonic beliefs, values, and practices. In the Native American sense, assimilation of cultural identity would mean adopting the American culture while weaving few Native American traditions and practices within. However, assimilation to American culture would ultimately lead to loss of ancestral practices and
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To illustrate, some cultures preserve their heritage by passing it on to future generations. For example, Queen Liliuokalani “began making a patchwork quilt” to tell the story of her life (Laukea 00:03:49). Thus, many cultures use art such as weaving or songwriting to pass down their heritage to future generations. Assimilation may lead to the sacrificing of this heritage, but extinction means an end to a legacy, leaving future generations disconnected from their culture and ancestors. Either way, this leads to detrimental impacts as a large group of people does not know where they come from and who they really are culturally. Thirdly, it is important to consider social and economic opportunities if a person was forced to make a choice between assimilation or extinction. Sacrificing one’s identity through assimilation could lead to social and economic opportunities otherwise not available to minorities and those who aren’t citizens or part of that culture. Some of these social and economic opportunities may include education, medical care, employment opportunities,
To illustrate, some cultures preserve their heritage by passing it on to future generations. For example, Queen Liliuokalani “began making a patchwork quilt” to tell the story of her life (Laukea 00:03:49). Thus, many cultures use art such as weaving or songwriting to pass down their heritage to future generations. Assimilation may lead to the sacrificing of this heritage, but extinction means an end to a legacy, leaving future generations disconnected from their culture and ancestors. Either way, this leads to detrimental impacts as a large group of people does not know where they come from and who they really are culturally. Thirdly, it is important to consider social and economic opportunities if a person was forced to make a choice between assimilation or extinction. Sacrificing one’s identity through assimilation could lead to social and economic opportunities otherwise not available to minorities and those who aren’t citizens or part of that culture. Some of these social and economic opportunities may include education, medical care, employment opportunities,