While it took almost half of the class period to reach this point, I can still hardly convey the great pleasure I felt upon actually having prior knowledge of subject matter discussed in our first day of class. Until that moment, I could only describe my experience in History 353 as a cross between humbling and embarrassing. But, alas, I had finally stumbled upon something I recognized, something I could hang my hat on. Yes, we had finally begun discussing Inuits.
Pride swelled in me as I browsed through my wealth of knowledge on this subject. I noted to myself that Inuits were better known as eskimos; our ice fishing, igloo dwelling neighbors to the far, far north. Needless to say, the smug grin that had plastered across my face soon gave way to the more familiar humble and embarrassed frown. Copper mining? Seasonal movements? Grass huts? We may as well have been talking about an alien species.
Now, with my pride already thrown out the window, I can look at this class and be aware of my own ignorance. I am now a sponge, soaking up knowledge like grime and soap suds. At least that's what I'd like to think.
2 comments:
I like you was too extremely proud of myself when I had some prior knowledge to a subject discussed in class. However it was not Inuits I had discussed in a previous class but the Kennewick Man Controversy. In a previous class we had a prolonged discussion of the argument of what the remains meant and who was entitled to make judgment on what was to be done. Other than that small bit of information interlinking my classes I too find myself ready to soak up as much new information as possible from this class.
I must admit that I have not had much experience in indigenous peoples' history. I can say that I have found myself reserving judgements that are less than open. I think this class will not only be an excellent opportunity to learn about indigenous peoples, but also it will serve as a good lesson in historical study, as these tribes have histories that must be studied very carefully and objectively.
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