After Taking Zendejas’ Native Studies Class
Posted on September 5, 2007 - Filed Under Uncategorized |
These are all actual quotes from college student’s papers on the last day of class when asked to write an essay entitled…. What I learned about Indians…
“I was completely uneducated when I started this class. I believe that the most important thing I have learned is to be more aware of historical events that have led us to where we are now, be more aware of the values and feelings of not only Indians, but also of all races and backgrounds, especially those that I know least about. I must touch on the mascot issue. I have never really paid attention to the use of mascots until this class. Now that I have been exposed to reasons why Indian mascots should not be used, I know that I should have paid more attention in the past. The ultimate problem with mascots is the lack of education and knowledge on behalf of most people, leading to misperceptions and insensitivity to Indians. If more people were educated, mascots would not even be an issue.”
“I was like most students in that I knew of the stereotypical Indian. I had seen one too many of the modern day ‘Indian’ movies. After taking the class I realized just what the Native American people went through. I think the one thing that caught me the most off guard was the topic of the Mascot. I had never realized that what the mascot portrays is nothing even remotely close to Native American ways. To be honest when I first signed up for the class I was not really all that interested or excited. Now having taken the class it has really opened my eyes to the way Native Americans really are and not the way Hollywood wants them to be. All-in-all I was very satisfied with the way the class turned out.”
“I actually was surprised at what little I did know. I thought that I had a better insight into the Native American world. Obviously not! Boy, was I naïve. They are just like everyone else trying to make it in this world.”
“I didn’t really think that I knew much about Indians, but I had heard a lot. I learned that the bulk of the things I had heard up to this point were either inaccurate or completely untrue. I learned the real deal. I learned respect and a certain amount of sympathy for what they have had to go through over the years. I feel like I have learned a lot but I know I still don’t know all that much. It was a very interesting class.”
“I did not know anything about Native Americans. I think the scary thing is that my previous knowledge may be typical of most other people’s knowledge. In all of my previous schooling, the only time I have ever studied the subject was in third and sixth grade just for about a week. Even then we just learned a little about tribes, then built a tepee. I am pleased to know that my knowledge has greatly increased.”
“Looking back, I feel extremely ignorant. I agree completely that most schools do not give a full overview of Native Americans. I remember an ethnic studies class I took in high school where they said that this would probably be the most in depth learning experience of other cultures. Everything I learned this semester was never said at all. I would love to go back to my school and tell people what I have learned.”
“I’m kind of pissed off that the education system failed to give me even half of what you taught me in a few days. Thanks for the most fun time in a class!”
“I learned how the Native American tribes fit into the U.S. Constitution. The class taught me a lot about myself. I loved the sharing of food. I feel a lot of Americans lack a community feeling and keep to themselves when they need to open up and share, as we are all one. Thank you for the immense and fun learning experience in not only Indians, but the US government and constitution as well as myself and human nature.”
“I learned a lot in this class, not only about Native Americans, but also about life. I also learned more in this class about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights than I have in any other class I have taken throughout high school or college. I also was given a new perspective on things such as Native American mascots, and personal life experiences from the Native American perspective.”
“I believe there are many people who could gain from taking a course on Indian/Native American studies to better understand the history that leads up to current day affairs.”
“I learned a ton in this class, and I am guessing we only scratched the surface.”
“After have taken this class I now have a deep respect for what the tribes as well as individual Indians went through. Learning the struggles of the Indians had opened up a spot in my heart to always treat people fairly.”
“As a result of this class I have expanded my knowledge and have clarified some important points. Now I understand why things are the way they are now and how they came to be. It was interesting having you as a teacher.”
“I learned from this class that the Indians don’t get everything paid for like I previously thought. They in fact do not get free college like many people believe. Overall I feel I am leaving the class with a much different view on Native Americans than I entered the class.”
“Overall I have learned more about Native Americans than I thought there was to know. It was very educational.”
“All the myths were straightened out. This was the best class I have taken. I feel like I will benefit from it in real life.”
“I am really happy I took this class and my ignorance about Indians has been replaced with important facts. I was very ignorant about any topic pertaining to Indians. I enjoyed your class very much and appreciate the information you shared with our class.”
“I do understand now, how and why things are the way they are today. I did enjoy how you broke everything down to our level. It made it easier for us to understand.”
“I had a lot of misconceptions about Indians. This class achieved its goal of clearing up a lot of misconceptions and myths. I was very happy with the class, and am glad that I chose to take it.”
“I thought I was going to hear the same old stuff I have already heard in school growing up in Oklahoma. I’ve had my fill of tepees and buffalo. It was really nice to have a fresh new approach to Native American studies. The knowledge I gained not only broadened my cultural horizon, but enhanced my knowledge on current conflicts, issues and tribal affairs. I also never really thought of Indian depictions as mascots as offensive before I came into this class, because it I so common in society. I will definitely cherish and expand on what I have taken from this class and hopefully continue to grow and learn on the new found learning and thinking skills I have acquired.”
“I learned what is at the crux of the Indian mascot debate. It’s now clear to me why the Indian mascot is offensive to Native Americans, and how the mascot’s ignorant portrayal of rituals and prestigious headdresses mock the traditions that Indians take very seriously. I’ve really enjoyed this class.”
“I went from thinking that Indians just got free government money and perks, to knowing the truth. Thanks for teaching this class. I learned more than I thought I would.”
“I learned quite a bit. The most important was to dispel a lot of myths about Indians. I think that everyone should have to take a course like this to educate themselves and not be ignorant.”
“I learned Indians do not feel ‘honored’ by mascots of sports teams. This class has been awesome, not only in what I have learned but also it has been a good time. I have suggested this class to friends.”
“I only knew general stereotype things about Indians. I have learned more than I ever thought about Indians from this course. I thought that it was very interesting and your instruction was very entertaining as well.”
“This class has really showed me how much I did not know about Indians. I had many misconceptions about Indians. I can now say that I would feel comfortable dispelling those myths to people that still believe them.”
“This class has far exceeded all my expectations. I expected to hear about beads and feathers; rather, I gained an understanding of Indian law and background knowledge that can be related to practical events and issues.”
“Edouardo Zendejas, thank you for opening my eyes on the past and present issues facing the tribes of this nation.”
