THIS AMERICAN LIFE

THIS AMERICAN LIFE
I took many things from this radio program. To start small, Vowell calling the Cherokee a рnerdy cultureҀ, referencing language and other such characteristics is an interesting description that I do not think defines the tribe in any sense, but certainly furthers perspective. The beginning of the sistersҀ quest in northern Georgia when they run into their first Indians is quite interesting. The man selling Indian sculptures is in fact a Mexican with no Indian heritage, but says the work brought him to Georgia and that people love Indians, though he sells plains and western tribe Indians instead of Cherokee. To this observation, Sarah notes that it makes sense for people to like the popular, stereotypical depiction of a warring, exciting, even vicious Indian, over that of a crying Cherokee. Another of SarahҀs statements helped me to understand more fully how CherokeeҀs took a civilized approach of trying to adapt as much English culture as they could in an attempt to live in peace with these new people. Examples of this are in drafting their own constitution, drafting a syllabary, and declaring the national capital of New Echtoa. Even with all of these efforts, colonial American greed was insatiable.
By far the most interesting part of the program to me is when Vowell questions рwhy are we here?Ҁ And notes how while she knows it is important for her to seek out and understand this history, she wonders what good it does and notably feels worse. This pries into the philosophical aspect of learning history and of what an average person can gain from learning about such a cruel history. Her personal counterargument of how much she loves this country while hating the cruel evils we have once committed poses quite the enigma. In my opinion, the use of learning this history is to prevent it from happening again, but I do not mean this as explicitly as it may be read. A repeat of such a horrendous event like the Trail of Tears could take many forms, from discriminatory legislation down to more likely racial discrimination and social rift. By learning about the wrongs suffered by Indians, people would certainly be less likely to prejudice this group, and much more likely to empathize with their current condition as well as reach out to help.
In the end, vicariously living the Vowell sisters American journey through the Trail of Tears has been incredibly enlightening, especially in the end segment where she reflects and empathizes with Chief John Ross in probable feelings of confusion, anger, outrage, and most of all, heart break in response to AmericaҀs breaking of their own creed. One resonant phrase I find worth repeating is VowellҀs consideration of Cherokee as, Ӏstrangers in our own land.Ԁ Also, upon my newfound historical knowledge of Old Hickory, I will forever look at $20 bills with disgust, and impulsively buy to dispose of them.