outside readings 5 - Ishi and deeper meanings

 

outside reading 5

One of the current movies we are learning about in class is a man named Ishi. He was the only remaining Indian in the group and it is a very interesting movie. It goes in depth about how his whole tribe was taken from him and he thought he was the only remaining person. Then he was found and there was a very big barrier between him and the rest of the world - he acted differently and they couldn't understand what he said. They stiffened him, trying to understand what he was trying to tell them. Eventually he started telling stories all about his life, rituals, and group. Everybody began to understand what he meant but the meanings are still considered. This connected to what we've learned about written vs oral language. When they figured out what he was eating and wrote it down it was great but the meaning was lost. If they were in his society and hearing him tell and describe the stories passed on while connecting to the natural world, maybe then they would understand them. But for now, all they can do is make inferences. I liked this movie because it really showed the barrier we have between tribes, indigenous people, etc. we will never truly understand their meanings without being a part of that group first hand. I wonder if there is any way that will change?

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