Good Example Of Essay On Rebel Music: Native America - 7th Generation Rises

Rebel Music: Native America - 7th Generation Rises is a documentary that portrays life of modern Indigenous youth who try to bring positive changes into lives of Native Americans. It focuses on four young people who use their art and music not only to express themselves but also to draw attention to current issues Native Americans are facing. Thus a Skowkale musician, Inez Jasper, from British Columbia tries to draw public`s attention to horrible treatment of indigenous women who go missing or are sexually abused in Canada and no one investigates these cases. Also, Lakota hip-hop musician, Frank Waln, tries to ignite and raise environmental awareness among people. Oglala Sioux musicians from Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, Nataanii Means and Mike ‘Witko’ Cliff, draw public`s attention at suicidal issues and its high rates among teens in reservations. All four musicians refuse to accept gloomy future and are targeted at uniting American Natives showing them that they matter and that they can change something in their lives. Their art is a powerful tool that ignites youth thus showing them that they are not alone in their fears and issues and that they are capable to change their lives in a positive way.
Moreover, this documentary uses legend about the seventh generation of Native Americans that will come in order to bring great changes. This legend serves as a nexus that unites all stories together thus highlighting power indigenous youth have in them. Furthermore, this film shows current reality that oppresses and depresses young people thus preventing them from achieving their dreams and living full lives. Due to the stories and activity of these artists young Native Americans will realize that they matter and that they are capable to get rid of stereotype chains that hold them and restrict. It is a powerful video that brings indigenous fight on the completely new level showing people that they should not give up because their culture is too unique.
It should be mentioned that by taking position of activists these artists incarnate Resilience as well as set examples that there can be something done. Each musician went through struggle with stereotypes and witnessed inequality in in all its variations. Thus, Nataanii Means and Mike ‘Witko’ Cliff recollect horrible racist attitude from police forces that killed Native American men without obvious reasons. Moreover, they point out that oppression did not stop; it took other forms which imprison Native Americans in their reservations without chance to feel like they have rights, especially suffer youth. Mike ‘Witko’ stresses that people feel trapped in their reservation and so was he. With their examples and music Nataanii and Mike ‘Witko’ try to show that growing generation has to stand up for themselves, they need to realize that they can be someone that they are not alone.
Also, after achieving some personal success Frank Waln does not want to sit and watch silently that his land is suffering and that his home is at danger. He demonstrates true Native American soul who places nature at the top of the list of values thus showing that it is not a matter of owing the land or whose economy will suffer more, no, he stresses at the importance of nature because it is a source of life. Moreover, his resistance is also targeted at illuminating Native Americans position that is limited and restricted. By his example he shows that positive changes are possible and will be under condition that all indigenous people will stand for their rights.
All in all, refusal to follow social stereotypes and resistance in taking position of an observer helped these artists not only in their lives but also set great examples for indigenous youth who now comes to awareness of their powers. However, while watching this documentary personally I wanted to hear what programs or suggestions these artists have for the future in order to solve particular issues like high rates of indigenous women rapes, for instance. I saw that bit by bit these young artists try to do something but what exactly do they need in order to achieve them, except public attention? How people outside reservation can help?