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The article refers to the descendants of the ancient Indian tribes in the Florida Everglades. It is a really interesting account of the history and the lives of the tribes. The hero is a person called Houston Cypress (Funcheon, 2014). He recounts his early years and how he was scared of being looked down upon since he was ‘two spirited’ (gay). Many of the early tribes in the area had different names and references to people with different gender choices. It clearly shows the way how the region was taken over by whites and then the ever present racial tensions between whites, blacks, tribes and Mexicans. The story also presents a view of life and the world as the tribes see it. The tribes were always conscious about the environment and their natural surroundings. Care was taken to ensure that flora and fauna were never harmed. The tribes led a unique lifestyle and were fairly independent in their unique culture. All that changed with the advent of ‘development’. There are hardly any birds and deer in the area. Money has begun to flow in from casinos and other industries, but that has led to pollution in the Everglades. What used to be a sanctuary for birds and animals is now a wasteland. Houston Cypress is a unique individual who has not only kept his tribal traditions alive and well, but is also committed to cleaning up the Everglades. Though he is seen as somewhat of a maverick, he enjoys being ‘two spirited’ and has a genuine concern for their way of life and preservation of the environment. I feel the people and government must support this cause whole heartedly since preservation of the natural habitat and the environment will help preserve the culture and way of life for the tribes and the flora and fauna in the Everglades.
References
Funcheon, Dierdra. A Gay - or "Two-Spirit" - Miccosukee Man Fights for the Everglades.
Miami New Times. Web. 16 April 2016. http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/a-gay-or-two-spirit-miccosukee-man-fights-for-the-everglades-6553043
