Neither Gone nor Forgotten The teenage years are one of the most essential times in the development of a human being, filled with both freedom and restrictions. I am constantly faced with the balance of staying true to my family and our values while simultaneously developing my own identity and ideals. My parents have never been lax in their encouragement of my activities and personal growth, but they also have a reasonable expectation that I also respect their rules and decisions. While some find it easier to push away from their roots and venture into the world on their own, it is only right for me to give my parents the same love and respect they have given me. Similarly, Native Americans have also had to show resolve and determination
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This is shown when the Indians are expected to follow through with Christian custom, yet still practice their traditional beliefs. The protagonist, Leon, goes to the priest to ask for holy water to use at his grandfather’s burial. When asked, the priest says, “I could have brought the Last Rites… For a Christian burial it was necessary” (Silko 52). For centuries Christianity has been pushed upon Native Americans by missionaries and settlers, as a way to convert them into “modern” civilization. This quote exemplifies how the priest, a symbol of western culture, is frustrated the natives are choosing to do a burial in their own way, preserving their culture. Not discouraged, Leon asks again for Holy Water, but Father Paul goes even further when he answers, “You know I can’t do that, Leon. There should have been the Last Rites and a funeral Mass at the very least” (52). While the priest eventually relents and provides his services, this situation shows how separate the two cultures are. Father Paul feels so alienated when he is asked to do the ceremony that he becomes quite rude to Leon. Not only does this quote demonstrate the Indian survivalist culture, but also the effect of cultural expectations and how they can create barriers between groups of people. To not practice a certain cultural tradition, such as the Christian faith, is completely acceptable. However, when a belief is pushed upon someone, as in this instance, a cultural characteristic is an obstacle between two different people reaching a peaceful agreement. This situation makes it easy for the pride of one nation to become a conflict with another nation. When the priest attempts to assimilate Leon, the situation demonstrates how beliefs can be a barrier when they are unable to be accepted by
This is shown when the Indians are expected to follow through with Christian custom, yet still practice their traditional beliefs. The protagonist, Leon, goes to the priest to ask for holy water to use at his grandfather’s burial. When asked, the priest says, “I could have brought the Last Rites… For a Christian burial it was necessary” (Silko 52). For centuries Christianity has been pushed upon Native Americans by missionaries and settlers, as a way to convert them into “modern” civilization. This quote exemplifies how the priest, a symbol of western culture, is frustrated the natives are choosing to do a burial in their own way, preserving their culture. Not discouraged, Leon asks again for Holy Water, but Father Paul goes even further when he answers, “You know I can’t do that, Leon. There should have been the Last Rites and a funeral Mass at the very least” (52). While the priest eventually relents and provides his services, this situation shows how separate the two cultures are. Father Paul feels so alienated when he is asked to do the ceremony that he becomes quite rude to Leon. Not only does this quote demonstrate the Indian survivalist culture, but also the effect of cultural expectations and how they can create barriers between groups of people. To not practice a certain cultural tradition, such as the Christian faith, is completely acceptable. However, when a belief is pushed upon someone, as in this instance, a cultural characteristic is an obstacle between two different people reaching a peaceful agreement. This situation makes it easy for the pride of one nation to become a conflict with another nation. When the priest attempts to assimilate Leon, the situation demonstrates how beliefs can be a barrier when they are unable to be accepted by