The term “Othering” in the context here refers to a situation in which an individual or a group is seen as intrinsically different from the native people. In our readings, there are some theories which try to explain the existence of Indian cultures in the American society. Some factors such as the geographical areas, social organization and culture have been seen as the core factors of the differences.
It is believed that the physical place is critical to an individual or a community identity. A geographic area is associated with the development or maintenance of the identity. The impact of the homeland area is that it helps in maintenance of the religious, cultural or spiritual aspects. There is a big difference between those parents from Indian-Americans parents and those from those parents with the same origin of Indians.
The culture of some American Indians retaining some of their characteristics can be attributed to some factors as listed below. The act of participating in community-based activities helps them to maintain their real identity as Indians (Liebler 606). It does not only assist in the growth of an individual but also the growth of the entire community. Sometimes those activities remind them on their homeland area. It then becomes difficult for the American Indians to forget some of their cultures as they always remind themselves through such community activities.
The other theory that can be used in explaining the “othering” is the theory of reservation. The single-race American would force the others to retain identities as American Indian. Parents could teach their young ones about their culture and identity as the American Indians. The children would grow knowing much about their culture (Biolsi 254). Parents do face a lot of discrimination from those who are not Indians. So even the children learn on how they will survive in the hostile environment. For that reason, culture does affect the attitude and behavior of people in the society.
The other factor that does facilitate the existence of America Indians is the legal claim of identity. This is whereby the parents do enroll their tribe. This motivates them to claim their identity and they can allow their children to follow the same. It can enhance a proper identity because the law allows everyone to have his or her culture whenever he or she feels that is necessary. Those found guilty of oppressing the minority group can be sued and thus finding themselves in the wrong hand of the law. It is evidence that some Indians and others who are not white do face a lot of discrimination due to the difference in race, although many measures are put to reduce the impact of racism by enhancing a colorblind society (Biolsi 254).
The hybrid political space it is whereby the Indians are allowed to practice their political organizations at the same time there are laws in the country that guide them. There are some civil rights in the U.S that do give the Indians the power to participate in some of the major activities of the country such as taking part in the general election. There are many examples of cases in which individuals from the American Indians were submitting a petition letter to the government of the United States claiming that they are treated in a racist manner (Biolsi 250).
Work cited
Liebler, Carolyn. "Homelands And Indigenous Identities In A Multiracial Era". Elsevier
(2010): 569-609. Print.
Biolsi, Thomas. "May 2005". American Ethnologist, Vol. 32 (2016): 239-259. Print.
