Facing History

During this Wednesday’s Rose cafe, Professor Cheyfitz gave an inspiring talk on the history and present situations of the Native Americans. As an international student from China, I don’t know much US history, not to say the history of Native Americans. And it really shocked me when I learned how much cruelty the Native Americans experienced in the past, and how they continue to struggle economically now. Moreover, people today are still not fully informed of this part of history. When professor Cheyfitz asked how many people were taught some history of the Native Americans, only few people raised their hands. But when he asked how many people were educated about slavery, about half the audience raised their hands. Seeing this contrast, I feel there is a strong need for us to stop ignoring this important part of history, and encourage other people to learn more about the Native Americans as well. Living on the land that belonged to the Native Americans, we should at least face our history, acknowledge what have been done, and give them the respect they deserve.

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