For the past couple days in class, we watched a documentary called In The White Man’s Image which was about the boarding schools that Indians were basically forced into. Since the motto of most of these schools was to “Kill the Indian, save the man”, you can feel how anti-Indian they were. That phrase implies that Indians are less than man, and it dehumanizes their entire race. Their schedules were very reminiscent of the military or a boot camp of some sort. The was a different activity to be done every 10 minutes. Also, in the Russ Moses letter that we read over the weekend, we saw that they barely got enough food to live off of, and a lot of the food they received was rotten or unrecognizable. These schools were somewhat similar to prisons.
But, even though I hate to say it, I believe that there were some (very few) positive outcomes to the Natives being enrolled in these schools. For one, Indians had a slightly higher chance of obtaining a job due to their “conversion”. They also were exposed to different sports and lifestyles that they could potentially bring home to their families. Also, sometimes the schools provided free lodge and food for those that didn’t necessarily get that at home.
Amanda July 3, 2018
I too feel the Indian boarding schools were a huge mistake. I think it is possible if another person who had better intentions with these schools, that more Indians could have benefited from it. I think these schools had a good idea to try and assimilate Indians, however it should not be forced upon. Also, the children should be able to go home and see their families whenever they wanted. They should be given the opportunity to learn English reading, writing, and speaking without being forced to forget their native language. And perhaps most importantly, they should always be given access to better food supply and meals for their time there.
Jake July 6, 2018
I agree that, in theory, the boarding schools were a decent idea. In realty, though, they were executed very poorly. In my opinion, like what has been said before me, if the schools were under different leadership this would have been a lot better.
I agree that the schools should have been completely voluntary. I also agree with Amanda about how they should have had more rights once at the school. I feel that they should have been taught English to use in classes and more formal settings with guests from outside the school, but they should have been able to keep their own languages and cultures to express themselves between classes or after school.
I also agree that they should have had better and more accessible food as well as the ability to see their families more often without being criticized.