Hope that humanity can transcend its history of cruelty, terror, and greed. To become something beyond what we currently continue to be, a people who value you human life above all else.
For the Indian, I would imagine it is a connection to a rapidly disappearing heritage, a rememberance of a stolen past, perhaps more glorified than it truly was, but theirs nonetheless.
For the younger riders, a chance to ride, to socialize.
For the white men and women, a chance to attempt to assuage our collective guilt over what our ancestors did to yours.
Pray pardon the double post here, but I have a question that has been bugging me for some time, and this may be the perfect opportunity to ask. Back in the 80’s we were told by the PC police that the word ‘Indian’ when used in reference to the native tribes of this continent was perjorative and unacceptable, yet more and more I hear Indians call themselves Indians. I’m not trying to make a joke here, I truly want to know if I’m being overly PC by saying Native American, or if it is the respectful term, or what. Please help a very confused white guy.
Thanks for showing that.
Some would like to forget the past. To do so is to say those 300 men women and children died invain. The rides started as a spriritual journey and for some it still is. For others it is a way to express regret for the sins of our fathers.
Amanda looks like a camp councelor today. Camp Rocketboom? Is this our first assignment of the summer?
To answer his question, For What do they come, here is my stab:
Every group has its rituals, in this case a ritual that causes people of a group to feel more imbued with a sense of identity. The ritual commemorates a historical wrong. But in truth there were also terrible wrongs committed by indigenous people back in those days, too. Women and children were killed at Wounded Knee. But there had been indigenous attacks on non-indigenous people too, back then, including killings of women and children.
The key problem back then was that although some indigenous people integrated with non-indigenous, some chose not to, or were prohibited from doing so and expelled (Trail of Tears…). If there had been integration, barbarism on both sides could have been avoided. It also didn’t help that European countries used the indigenous warriors as pawns against the US or against other Europeans.
I think that the experiences of indigenous versus indigenous, indigenous versus non-indigenous, and non-indigenous using indigenous as warriors-for-hire provides a vivid illustration of why tribalism, then or now, is a profoundly bad thing. We are individuals first, and belong to tribes only out of weakness.
Now that we have gotten rid of all the Indian names for sports teams, which actually kept them alive in the public domain: We will find that names like Apache, Souix, Cherokees, Comanches, Iroquois, Sachems, Pequots, Seminoles, etc. etc. will soon pass beyond memory just like defunct auto names like Studebaker, Hudson, Rambler, Essex, have all passed from current memory. Getting up tight is the best way to make sure that what you are uptight about and also the thing that made you feel important, will also pass away into trivia of the future. So be careful what you wish for. Twenty years from now, the next generation will be even further removed from any memory of Indians.
Oh, I must add that it is fun watching all of the “white guilt” commenters just going through PC contortions trying to address this topic and not leave any offensive whiff behind. Hilarious. And I am married to a Chipewa Cree from the Rocky Boy reservation in Montana whose great great Uncle Gabriel Dumont lead the Rial Rebellion in 1885 against Canada. He got his ass kicked too and eventually became part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show as a marksman.
First, a suggestion to the PC question: Indian or Native American or Native American Indian? The proper terms would encompass using tibal names - Souix, Sachem, Seneca. But, average americans are not attuned to these, neither are many indigenous peoples. (We should ask, what does PC-talk really do for Americans? Politics and Identity is always a tricky subject.) But, in my academic and political experiences, the term ‘indigenous peoples’ is often used, as is Indian by many radical indigenous activists. To be fair - non-Indians are the ones making a fuss over names; Indians are making a fuss over their identity.
In addition, input to the ‘why take the journey’ question - We should keep in mind that the reasons will be different for all who participate. Some will walk for political rights; some walk for spirituality; some walk to remind themselves and their children of a heritage that is becomming lost; some walk to strengthen unity; some walk for respect; etc. It is a community of people, with different reasons for walking, but with one thing in common - time.
Its all about reparations…maybe we should do DNA analysis on all of us . Then we can determine what percentage of all the races are in our blood line. Indian, African, Arab, Asian, European, etc. We can go all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Then we can use those percentages to determine our share of earths riches and divide it all up in a fair manner. That way everyone can look ahead instead of backwards and stop feeling cheated over something that happened a hundred or two hundred or a thousand years ago. Then we could judge people by the individual merit of the content of their character.
To pay homage to all who died at the hands of those hellbent to take land, protect land, put their beliefs above others, and to press their beliefs upon others. There are so many of these moments in history that mankind as a whole is ashamed. It is very difficult to know and honor all those who perished in these conditions, but the action of some, as the Ride to Wounded Knee, should let those know who have passed before us that we do not forget.
probably for connection, for spirituality and for what? (all the whats? we all have) and perhaps to feel themselves as that fierce and combative tribe they were once, and also to look at each other and recognize that if they have had the power they would have done the same to the others, so sad and so true
Everyone posted a valid comment on this topic, and all will agree on that the history of humans has, does now, and it will have a tumultuos path to truly peaceful co-existence.
We are not wired yet, although we have the potential for enlightment……. eventually, for the present the best we have now is the awareness of not to repeat the past….maybe.
As a New Yorker, I was going to post a snide commnet on this piece. But after reading the comments, I was moved by the intelligence and humanity that the Rocketboomers communicated. I went back and watched the segment again through new eyes. Thanks for a great segment and to the Rocketboomers for being so compassionate, intelligent and insightful. Rocketboom has amazing range!
Native people share their history thru language. Nothing was ever documented by this indian nation that suffered this grave past. Yet, thru generations among this indian nation, this part of thier history, has always and well always remain. A symbol of unification and properity for futures to come.
Milt, Amanda, Andrew, Mario, Kevin, and Slhuang…
Thanks so much for that. It’s a rare thing nowadays for someone to honestly look at another’s “search” without preconceived notions…. to ask an honest question without pushing an agenda.
Thanks.
I’ve been to Wounded Knee many times, and the only way you can understand what it means is to go on top of the hill where the cemetery is and be quiet. I’m a white boy, and the pressure and looks I got there gave me a real feeling of how badly the gov’t abused the Native Americans. And Amanda is awesome, that’s almost alliteration.
it’s a sense of Family; it feels necessary to know where you come from. native or non-native American, 200+ years later we’re Family. everything that happened back then is part of the mix that makes us what we are today.
… for a connection with the past, on parts of the ride the scenery is unchanged so todays riders see and feel the world just as the original travelers did. That connection, hard to quantify involving all the senses, forges a bond that allows one to feel more grounded in their identity.
On the P.C. question, Indians is a broad term including all people living in the Americas before 1492 while Native American can just as easily apply to a child born to a recent immigrant. Personally, I’m an individual then a Choctaw of the Mississippi Band, Coloradan, American, Earthling.
What do they come for? As many reasons as there are Americans; depending on who you are, where you came from………they come to grieve the last in a long line of violations by others, they come to share, they come out of guilt for their european ancestors and their more recent american ones too, we come to share in the memorial of an american experience which all non-natives are or should be ashamed of. Many are ashamed and come for forginess, for redemption. But now we all come, white, black, hispanic, asian, native, to claim our oneness as a people, all realizing what was lost and how we all can remain a strong community by making sure it never happens again, that things can never be how they where but can be good as we accept and learn from each other.
peace
Bravo to Rocketboom! I was snippy to you yesterday so today I’m giving you praise…This is the second report I can remember from Milt..the first was a pow wow this past year.
I can’t see any pictures of “The Knee” without thinking about one of my favorite movies..”Thunderheart” starring Val Kilmer. It’s based on true events When a medicine man got visions of “fishpeople” that were harming the river that the people on the rez were using..turned out to be our government doing bad things (surprise?) Rent it if you haven’t seen it.
Native Americans believe that their ancestors are there always with them..why wouldn’t they honor those who fell at the knee? Perhaps those non-Natives go there to reconnect in some way with the culture and rituals of their people.
It just goes to show how evil white folks are, and how guilty they ought to feel. White is a bad race, no question about it. Eradication is the only sensible outcome. Displays of “cultural awareness” doesn’t repay your century old evil.
Ero iahna Si Tanka beale!
(Big Foot’s death was not vane)
“What’s with all the serious answers??? I thought this site was supposed to be funny.”
OK: ‘a duckie walks into a bar..’, the bartender says ‘what’l you have?” to which the duckie replies “a wounded knee”. the bartender says “very funny - duckies don’t have knees.”
Too too. last month you were trying to show off skills at portraying ‘poor white trash’, last week it was fat mexicans, yesterday gushing with celebrities, and today the school marm. Stern, giving us less enlightened something to think about.
Guilt is part of it, I suppose, but guilt, in and of itself is pretty lame and stupid…it doesn’t lead you anywhere.
For me, I find Indians (those still alive to their language and heritage) graceful and generous souls who have much to teach us. Many of our societies ills are remidied by a good conversation with one’s elders…and indians (Crow, Lakota, Cheyenne) are, in my experience, usually present for that.
If you don’t feel PC calling them “indians,” read some of their history. The true meaning of the tribal names, in many cases, is actually a sort of riddle, or joke, to the “white speak.” We call it “the Oregon trail”, they call it “the holy road,” sarcastically of course, since, at first, they could not understand what sort of unholy power could posses so many to travel such great distances, and throw out such vast quantities of garbage along the way.
Stories are how we connect with the past, which, with understanding, is how we define our future.
Thanks Amanda. It may not be your cutest or funniest show, but it is the first one I sent to my family and friends…
Thanks folks for the nice comments. I too was struck by the depth of thought and emotion that this piece brought up. I want to hear more of what people are saying but let me respond to a couple of things. Native/Indigenous people from America refer to themselves in many many ways. Lots of these folks say Indian. Lots say Native. And some do refer to themselves by their tribe. I’m working on a piece that I’ll share when I get it done that addresses these questions.
Foreign Press - I did only show 1 camera man, but be assured that there were crews there from Japan, Switzerland, Norway, and France.
White People - firstly of course is the reality that race is a very new concept. And in fact, we are all related - as Lakota cosmology says - Mitakoye Oyasin. The other thing that I feel is that if we deny our ancestors - any of them - we weaken ourselves. All of us do bad things - all of us, and all of us do good things too. I cast my hat with the good.
This isn’t so much a matter of race as it is human nature. The unknown, greed, and revenge are all concepts that pollute a groups collective ability to have insight. To say that Whites are an evil race is really no different in behavior than what Custer’s troops believed.
They gather because it was a horrible wrong that cannot really be fixed and perhaps there is some wisdom that can come from looking at the aftermath.
I think they gather because of grief.
Non-native Americans join the Wounded Knee ride for the same reason they visit and donate money to the Crazy Horse monument near Mount Rushmore - to somehow absolve themselves of guilt for the way we treated the land and the people before our recent “environmental enlightenment”. Now if we only had the same concern for global warming, a problem caused by the same attitudes towards the planet as the historical one regarding natives.
From the Christmas Light Show to this episode and most of what’s in between-I love that Rocketboom is informative, interesting and offers the broad spectrum of entertainment, intellect and emotion that it does. And many times it is fun!
I think that they ride because it’s a way to make sense of it all and acknowledge those that died.
I’d go if I were Indian. The sense of identity that the ride imparts to the participants would be a large factor. In being alienated from White American Culture, the only game in town practically, becoming conscious of and reliving the history that informs the disenfrancisement is quite helpful in being a person. I wouldn’t go if I were white, because the guilt wouldn’t be helpful in being what the Government wants me to be, a happy unquestioning consumer, and consciously I can remember from home what both American political parties did to the Indians. If I were a foreign reporter I’d certainly go. Reporting this dark page of American History to the world as they watch America trample over the Middle East reminds them of the American Government’s unbroken line of disregard for life when it’s in the way of fulfilling their agenda. Good reporting Milt!
What happened at Wounded Knee is unfortunately a perfect example of the incredibly flawed indian policy of the United States. It is definately a black spot in American History. The 7th Cavalry were exacting revenge for the debacle at Little Big Horn. I hope that this pilgramage brings some solice to all Americans who undertake it.
for 140 different reasons (differing from day to day and generally increasing in number as thay approach Wounded Knee) some noble, some trite, some ignoble. The expression of a community as a community. We should all find such a community to be part of.
PLEASE DO NOT LET THE BUSH FAMILY STEAL ANY MORE SKULLS FROM THE BURIAL SITES AT WOUNDED KNEE. THEY DO NOT NEED TO GLORIFY THERE YALE SECRET SOCIETY ANY MORE.
Eric L., the massacre was not revenge. It was the extermination of the final remnants of Indian resistance, being chaised North, battered old people, women and children. It was not a policy with a flaw, as you suggest. By today’s definitions, it was genocide.
To connect, to atone, to witness, to achieve understanding of our passage along the river of life. To acknowledge, and clean up our messes as best we can.
I am so sick and tired of being made to feel guilty because I am white. MOST NATIVE AMERICANS ARE DRUNKS. As far as I am concered those bastards got what they deserved. They should have done what they are told and nothing would have happened to them. The only reason people to that stupied ride is so they can get drunk and blame the white man for all of there problems.. I would not want to go to an event like that I would be worried about all of the empty bottles of thunderbird that would be laying around.
Well, it’s hard to follow toxci and Shannon! But I think people/we go to connect with another culture we should have found so long ago and to try to heal our own wounds. I enjoyed today’s program and am glad to be a viewing part of Rocketboom.
I just returned from Afganistan where I served in the 7th air Calvary…..a helicopter mounted unit…we are the same 7th Cavalry.
In our brigade are 10 Lakota Indians from SD.
Our mission: to hunt down and kill Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban…..
Guess who the best trackers are? Yep…Lakota. Guess who the best shots are?? Guess who the Taliban fear most
when 7th air Cav lands
You got it…..Lakota Warriors/ code talkers. in the 7th air Cav. Best damn warrior we have. Hoorah!
Drew is going to censor me on this one but I have to say my piece.
I grew up in Northern Minnesota next to a Chippewa or Ojibwe reservation. Our schools were integrated starting with the 7th grade. The average White 7th grader was 13, the average Ojibwe was 15. They bullied the white kids out of meanness.
I’m not justifying what happened at Wounded Knee. I only tell you that this White man feels no guilt because I remember how I was treated by those with the red skin.
I now make a comfortable living in Northern Virgina; they continue to subsist on alcohol and US Government payments on the Rez. The Great Spirit has spoken, let the truth be heard.
Interesting Rocketboom. And interesting posts for sure. I suppose, as Mr. Miller observed “we are of one flesh, but separated like stars”… and well, ok, such as it is…I recall Esfahan, 1978, as my home was being ransacked by angry local folks - me being a simple-minded expat asked “but, why” and a very determined fellow looked me in the eye and replied (in perfect English, I might add), “Because the sky is blue.” And so, there it was (and always is). Pure crystalline logic. When all else fails, what other answer is there.
it was good to see, that so many still care.After all that has gone on, and maybe the wind will carry the sound of children laughting, not the sound of parents weeping.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown is one of my favorite annual summer reads, which gives a great historical perspective of the history of america looking from the native-american perspective.
Thank you Rocketboom for video blogging all of america, not just latest crazes. You’re always the best.
I’m from Europe and here we know really well that remembering past errors in history is really important to avoid repeating them.
So it’s really important that everyone, especially childs, learn history.
In a manner as objective as possible, without hiding the gray areas, the racism (*all* kinds of racism) and all the violences, including the ones inflicted by the winners on the people that were on the losing side of our history.
Great job. I just stumbled on rocketboom a few weeks ago and love it.
NPR just aired your interview, nice job, but I wonder what he meant by cheesy map and set. You seemed proud of the new big map on its debut. It’s better than the 2005 map.
Maybe to remember. As a prayer toward transormation? Maybe each individual who particpates is doing so for different reasons. Maybe they could be asked? We are all just guessing here…One thing I know for sure, we do choose our own way of relating to eachother. Remembering may allow for the most essential shift needed now if we are to continue as a species on the planet.
Thank you Amanda, for your courage to be here everyday and do whatever the hell you want to! You go girl–
I think they ride to remember and honor the fallen, the same as the we do in America when we have parades on Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. Wounded Knee is only one poignant example on the colossal injustice done to the Native Americans.
I heard the NPR story today May 11, 2006. Wow! Now you’re getting the attention you deserve. Now you’re only a couple steps away from appearing on the “Grand Ole Opry”! …or even better “The Muppet Show”!
Especially in the States, there is a need for any kind of experience beyond the too cold too fast too technical world of souless buy/sell. Everything is just in terms of commodities, and win/lose.
People are desperate to find something real.
But what usually happens is they find something, but then go overboard.
Individuals pay respect on events such as this to remember the past, and celebrate the present. Unfortunately these celebrations tend to become less respectful as time goes by. Whether it is blatant commercialism, “creative decisionsâ€Â, or an excuse for drinking, events such as this, and holidays in general for that matter, over time become corrupt mockeries of what they once were. I know that I sound cynical, but there is something positive from all this. As this new more “popular†celebration arises, more individuals are drawn to all the commotion. Eventually some of these individuals will question what all the festivities are about. In answering this, they will rediscover the past and, dare I say it, remember.
The ride to Wounded Knee should be left to the Lakota and other Native American participants. While most anglos would agree that the treatment of indigenous peoples in North America was truly genocide, none should assume the arrogance to appoint themselves “compatriots of pain”.
It is not for them to apologize as a race for past wrongdoings. It was not their ancestors who were slaughtered, starved or died from new and deadly diseases. While an anglo may sympathize with the generational pain of Native Americans, it is not her or his place to presume that they are a welcome participant in such an event.
Respectful observation from the sidelines? Yes. Participation? No.
While I recognize that the treatment of Native Americans by the Government(s) of the day as grievous, I don’t lose sleep at night over “collective racial guilt”. It’s not for ME to apologize. It’s also not for me to take part, without overt permission, in a ritual that is really none of my business.
Well, it’s a commemoration of an ancient tragedy. Wounded Knee is seen by Indians and by some Palefaces as a symbol of how the two cultures related historically. The White culture of Aggression and Imperialism subdued and killed off the Indians in order to conquer America. They had been doing it to people of color in North America ever since the founding of the Republic. They have been doing around the world to such peoples ever since right up until today in Iraq. There is no end in sight. I guess Wounded Knee is a place for Indians and Whites to gather and remember what their history is and what they are about in relation to each other.
their vital roots were cut in pieces. and war destroyed their peace. their leaders killed by mighty weapons, their young men doomed to kill.
depression paralyzed their horses who once ran free in space.
this evil story eats their laughter, they try to free the
“wounded knee” place.
didn’t have time to read through all these comments so forgive me if I am repeating, but if you want to read a great book about this tragedy, try “Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee” by Dee Brown.
Keep up the great show!
Each of us has our own take on the events of wounded knee…
Racism is a knife that cuts both ways, and until we see each other for our insides (red) and not our outsides, we won’t really see each other at all.
Talk about the guilt of the Evil Whites, or the Indians isn’t the point.
It was a mistake Like (Pearl Harbor, or the Atom bomb release on Japan) one that needs to be addressed healed, and forgiven, but not forgotten. We are all Human, and need to grow spiritually, and the only way to do that, is to forgive, honor & remeber at the same time.
Odd I didn’t expect deep things from RocketBoom, again
you amaze me, amanda.
To pay tribute, by retracing their steps, and morn their lost.
For, we all die. Death came to these people, in such a way. That, to remember, is like a awakening.
In remembering, we can learn from the past. May history never repeat itself.
To pay tribute, and morn this lost. Helps us remember the past, and hope that the past doesn’t repeat itself. Let us all remember, so that history will never repeats itself. And in turn, forgive.
Proud to be an American huh? It was criminal what happened to those men, women and children. Those in charge of the 7th cavalry should have been held accountable for the murders comitted. But history repeats itself. Mass murders by our leaders continue. We recently saw what went on in Vietnam. More recently Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Gaza. Where are the warcrimes trbunals? Maybe Bush and Saddam could be bunkies. We can only hope.
For honor.
Bless them.
For Hope!
Hope that humanity can transcend its history of cruelty, terror, and greed. To become something beyond what we currently continue to be, a people who value you human life above all else.
For the Indian, I would imagine it is a connection to a rapidly disappearing heritage, a rememberance of a stolen past, perhaps more glorified than it truly was, but theirs nonetheless.
For the younger riders, a chance to ride, to socialize.
For the white men and women, a chance to attempt to assuage our collective guilt over what our ancestors did to yours.
…because each of us is the sum total of all that has come before….
For Hope!
Hope that humanity can transcend its history of cruelty, terror, and greed. Hope that we might be better than the animals we descended from.
Testifying to the world that humans can evolve to a level the separates us from our aggressive predatory nature.
To become a people who value human life above all else.
Pray pardon the double post here, but I have a question that has been bugging me for some time, and this may be the perfect opportunity to ask. Back in the 80’s we were told by the PC police that the word ‘Indian’ when used in reference to the native tribes of this continent was perjorative and unacceptable, yet more and more I hear Indians call themselves Indians. I’m not trying to make a joke here, I truly want to know if I’m being overly PC by saying Native American, or if it is the respectful term, or what. Please help a very confused white guy.
Is it me or is the video less quality than usual? What’s with that? :(
As for the video.
Harmony.
Thanks for showing that.
Some would like to forget the past. To do so is to say those 300 men women and children died invain. The rides started as a spriritual journey and for some it still is. For others it is a way to express regret for the sins of our fathers.
Our motto on our license plates here in Québec is: ”Je me souviens” or I remember. It refers to many important turning points in our past history.
Something remembered gives it life.
Lukian
To say I was there. To be part of it. Of something real in an ever more unreal fake world.
Amanda looks like a camp councelor today. Camp Rocketboom? Is this our first assignment of the summer?
To answer his question, For What do they come, here is my stab:
Every group has its rituals, in this case a ritual that causes people of a group to feel more imbued with a sense of identity. The ritual commemorates a historical wrong. But in truth there were also terrible wrongs committed by indigenous people back in those days, too. Women and children were killed at Wounded Knee. But there had been indigenous attacks on non-indigenous people too, back then, including killings of women and children.
The key problem back then was that although some indigenous people integrated with non-indigenous, some chose not to, or were prohibited from doing so and expelled (Trail of Tears…). If there had been integration, barbarism on both sides could have been avoided. It also didn’t help that European countries used the indigenous warriors as pawns against the US or against other Europeans.
I think that the experiences of indigenous versus indigenous, indigenous versus non-indigenous, and non-indigenous using indigenous as warriors-for-hire provides a vivid illustration of why tribalism, then or now, is a profoundly bad thing. We are individuals first, and belong to tribes only out of weakness.
To connect with the dead and with each other.
Now that we have gotten rid of all the Indian names for sports teams, which actually kept them alive in the public domain: We will find that names like Apache, Souix, Cherokees, Comanches, Iroquois, Sachems, Pequots, Seminoles, etc. etc. will soon pass beyond memory just like defunct auto names like Studebaker, Hudson, Rambler, Essex, have all passed from current memory. Getting up tight is the best way to make sure that what you are uptight about and also the thing that made you feel important, will also pass away into trivia of the future. So be careful what you wish for. Twenty years from now, the next generation will be even further removed from any memory of Indians.
To bear fair witness to what the white man has done to the red man since 1492, and continues to do to this day…
Oh, I must add that it is fun watching all of the “white guilt” commenters just going through PC contortions trying to address this topic and not leave any offensive whiff behind. Hilarious. And I am married to a Chipewa Cree from the Rocky Boy reservation in Montana whose great great Uncle Gabriel Dumont lead the Rial Rebellion in 1885 against Canada. He got his ass kicked too and eventually became part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show as a marksman.
First, a suggestion to the PC question: Indian or Native American or Native American Indian? The proper terms would encompass using tibal names - Souix, Sachem, Seneca. But, average americans are not attuned to these, neither are many indigenous peoples. (We should ask, what does PC-talk really do for Americans? Politics and Identity is always a tricky subject.) But, in my academic and political experiences, the term ‘indigenous peoples’ is often used, as is Indian by many radical indigenous activists. To be fair - non-Indians are the ones making a fuss over names; Indians are making a fuss over their identity.
In addition, input to the ‘why take the journey’ question - We should keep in mind that the reasons will be different for all who participate. Some will walk for political rights; some walk for spirituality; some walk to remind themselves and their children of a heritage that is becomming lost; some walk to strengthen unity; some walk for respect; etc. It is a community of people, with different reasons for walking, but with one thing in common - time.
Acceptance
For Healing.
Recognition that they still exist.
One lone cameraman — The Foreign Press???
That scene says it all.
…because they can.
Its all about reparations…maybe we should do DNA analysis on all of us . Then we can determine what percentage of all the races are in our blood line. Indian, African, Arab, Asian, European, etc. We can go all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Then we can use those percentages to determine our share of earths riches and divide it all up in a fair manner. That way everyone can look ahead instead of backwards and stop feeling cheated over something that happened a hundred or two hundred or a thousand years ago. Then we could judge people by the individual merit of the content of their character.
To pay homage to all who died at the hands of those hellbent to take land, protect land, put their beliefs above others, and to press their beliefs upon others. There are so many of these moments in history that mankind as a whole is ashamed. It is very difficult to know and honor all those who perished in these conditions, but the action of some, as the Ride to Wounded Knee, should let those know who have passed before us that we do not forget.
Went to the link you provided:
I suggest everyone read this page:
http://siouxme.com/hpbody.html
probably for connection, for spirituality and for what? (all the whats? we all have) and perhaps to feel themselves as that fierce and combative tribe they were once, and also to look at each other and recognize that if they have had the power they would have done the same to the others, so sad and so true
Everyone posted a valid comment on this topic, and all will agree on that the history of humans has, does now, and it will have a tumultuos path to truly peaceful co-existence.
We are not wired yet, although we have the potential for enlightment……. eventually, for the present the best we have now is the awareness of not to repeat the past….maybe.
As a New Yorker, I was going to post a snide commnet on this piece. But after reading the comments, I was moved by the intelligence and humanity that the Rocketboomers communicated. I went back and watched the segment again through new eyes. Thanks for a great segment and to the Rocketboomers for being so compassionate, intelligent and insightful. Rocketboom has amazing range!
… it is to express the irrepressible outrage of this specific tragedy and the genicide in general commited by our government in “freeing the West”.
Native people share their history thru language. Nothing was ever documented by this indian nation that suffered this grave past. Yet, thru generations among this indian nation, this part of thier history, has always and well always remain. A symbol of unification and properity for futures to come.
Milt, Amanda, Andrew, Mario, Kevin, and Slhuang…
Thanks so much for that. It’s a rare thing nowadays for someone to honestly look at another’s “search” without preconceived notions…. to ask an honest question without pushing an agenda.
Thanks.
I’ve been to Wounded Knee many times, and the only way you can understand what it means is to go on top of the hill where the cemetery is and be quiet. I’m a white boy, and the pressure and looks I got there gave me a real feeling of how badly the gov’t abused the Native Americans. And Amanda is awesome, that’s almost alliteration.
it’s a sense of Family; it feels necessary to know where you come from. native or non-native American, 200+ years later we’re Family. everything that happened back then is part of the mix that makes us what we are today.
… for a connection with the past, on parts of the ride the scenery is unchanged so todays riders see and feel the world just as the original travelers did. That connection, hard to quantify involving all the senses, forges a bond that allows one to feel more grounded in their identity.
On the P.C. question, Indians is a broad term including all people living in the Americas before 1492 while Native American can just as easily apply to a child born to a recent immigrant. Personally, I’m an individual then a Choctaw of the Mississippi Band, Coloradan, American, Earthling.
What do they come for? As many reasons as there are Americans; depending on who you are, where you came from………they come to grieve the last in a long line of violations by others, they come to share, they come out of guilt for their european ancestors and their more recent american ones too, we come to share in the memorial of an american experience which all non-natives are or should be ashamed of. Many are ashamed and come for forginess, for redemption. But now we all come, white, black, hispanic, asian, native, to claim our oneness as a people, all realizing what was lost and how we all can remain a strong community by making sure it never happens again, that things can never be how they where but can be good as we accept and learn from each other.
peace
For warmth. I could feel the chilly wind across the screen.
Go connect with (talk to, travel with, hang) any Tribe member and there is the spirit of those that came before. Turn off all the devices and listen.
To face the mystery that we, again and again, choose fear, division and brutality instead of compassion, connection and creativity.
For klift. To elevate the soul. Yes yes.
Bravo to Rocketboom! I was snippy to you yesterday so today I’m giving you praise…This is the second report I can remember from Milt..the first was a pow wow this past year.
I can’t see any pictures of “The Knee” without thinking about one of my favorite movies..”Thunderheart” starring Val Kilmer. It’s based on true events When a medicine man got visions of “fishpeople” that were harming the river that the people on the rez were using..turned out to be our government doing bad things (surprise?) Rent it if you haven’t seen it.
Native Americans believe that their ancestors are there always with them..why wouldn’t they honor those who fell at the knee? Perhaps those non-Natives go there to reconnect in some way with the culture and rituals of their people.
It just goes to show how evil white folks are, and how guilty they ought to feel. White is a bad race, no question about it. Eradication is the only sensible outcome. Displays of “cultural awareness” doesn’t repay your century old evil.
Ero iahna Si Tanka beale!
(Big Foot’s death was not vane)
Perhaps they come to complete the journey their ancestors didn’t.
As others have said, to bear witness and to remember.
For some, to show their shame at the things people, to whom they are connected, can and continue to do.
And I am ashamed for you, Mike.
“What’s with all the serious answers??? I thought this site was supposed to be funny.”
OK: ‘a duckie walks into a bar..’, the bartender says ‘what’l you have?” to which the duckie replies “a wounded knee”. the bartender says “very funny - duckies don’t have knees.”
Too too. last month you were trying to show off skills at portraying ‘poor white trash’, last week it was fat mexicans, yesterday gushing with celebrities, and today the school marm. Stern, giving us less enlightened something to think about.
Guilt is part of it, I suppose, but guilt, in and of itself is pretty lame and stupid…it doesn’t lead you anywhere.
For me, I find Indians (those still alive to their language and heritage) graceful and generous souls who have much to teach us. Many of our societies ills are remidied by a good conversation with one’s elders…and indians (Crow, Lakota, Cheyenne) are, in my experience, usually present for that.
If you don’t feel PC calling them “indians,” read some of their history. The true meaning of the tribal names, in many cases, is actually a sort of riddle, or joke, to the “white speak.” We call it “the Oregon trail”, they call it “the holy road,” sarcastically of course, since, at first, they could not understand what sort of unholy power could posses so many to travel such great distances, and throw out such vast quantities of garbage along the way.
Stories are how we connect with the past, which, with understanding, is how we define our future.
Thanks Amanda. It may not be your cutest or funniest show, but it is the first one I sent to my family and friends…
Barnaby
Thanks folks for the nice comments. I too was struck by the depth of thought and emotion that this piece brought up. I want to hear more of what people are saying but let me respond to a couple of things. Native/Indigenous people from America refer to themselves in many many ways. Lots of these folks say Indian. Lots say Native. And some do refer to themselves by their tribe. I’m working on a piece that I’ll share when I get it done that addresses these questions.
Foreign Press - I did only show 1 camera man, but be assured that there were crews there from Japan, Switzerland, Norway, and France.
White People - firstly of course is the reality that race is a very new concept. And in fact, we are all related - as Lakota cosmology says - Mitakoye Oyasin. The other thing that I feel is that if we deny our ancestors - any of them - we weaken ourselves. All of us do bad things - all of us, and all of us do good things too. I cast my hat with the good.
Milt
This isn’t so much a matter of race as it is human nature. The unknown, greed, and revenge are all concepts that pollute a groups collective ability to have insight. To say that Whites are an evil race is really no different in behavior than what Custer’s troops believed.
They gather because it was a horrible wrong that cannot really be fixed and perhaps there is some wisdom that can come from looking at the aftermath.
I think they gather because of grief.
I think people go there for the same reason Middle Class white people go to places like India… To say they have “done it”
They say that they “roughed it” to their friends, who are meant to think that they are very deep..
Many of them hang around with the others who have gone there for “hope and peace” and dont even speak to the indians.
To acknowledge past events, both great and terrible; to seek or give forgiveness and to hope for a more compassionate future.
For so many things. Hope, meaning, etc.
This is one of the best Rocketbooms I’ve seen, and I’ve been a consistant veiwer for almost a year.
Non-native Americans join the Wounded Knee ride for the same reason they visit and donate money to the Crazy Horse monument near Mount Rushmore - to somehow absolve themselves of guilt for the way we treated the land and the people before our recent “environmental enlightenment”. Now if we only had the same concern for global warming, a problem caused by the same attitudes towards the planet as the historical one regarding natives.
Hi All,
From the Christmas Light Show to this episode and most of what’s in between-I love that Rocketboom is informative, interesting and offers the broad spectrum of entertainment, intellect and emotion that it does. And many times it is fun!
I think that they ride because it’s a way to make sense of it all and acknowledge those that died.
Val
I’d go if I were Indian. The sense of identity that the ride imparts to the participants would be a large factor. In being alienated from White American Culture, the only game in town practically, becoming conscious of and reliving the history that informs the disenfrancisement is quite helpful in being a person. I wouldn’t go if I were white, because the guilt wouldn’t be helpful in being what the Government wants me to be, a happy unquestioning consumer, and consciously I can remember from home what both American political parties did to the Indians. If I were a foreign reporter I’d certainly go. Reporting this dark page of American History to the world as they watch America trample over the Middle East reminds them of the American Government’s unbroken line of disregard for life when it’s in the way of fulfilling their agenda. Good reporting Milt!
What happened at Wounded Knee is unfortunately a perfect example of the incredibly flawed indian policy of the United States. It is definately a black spot in American History. The 7th Cavalry were exacting revenge for the debacle at Little Big Horn. I hope that this pilgramage brings some solice to all Americans who undertake it.
for 140 different reasons (differing from day to day and generally increasing in number as thay approach Wounded Knee) some noble, some trite, some ignoble. The expression of a community as a community. We should all find such a community to be part of.
for tortillas?
“For the ancesters who have been and the descendents yet to come.”
It’s about time the people of the Pineridge Rez got their fair crack at life.
For adventure.
For memory.
That is, to remember so they won’t forget.
Duh. :)
PLEASE DO NOT LET THE BUSH FAMILY STEAL ANY MORE SKULLS FROM THE BURIAL SITES AT WOUNDED KNEE. THEY DO NOT NEED TO GLORIFY THERE YALE SECRET SOCIETY ANY MORE.
JUST MY SIMPLE OBSEVATIONS,
AS EVER,
EYEBALL
“So Amanda can make up for that stupid and tasteless Cinco de Mayo bit from earlier in the week?”
Is it horrible that Matt made me laugh with his nasty comment?
Amazing comments today and a great story as well.
The question? well we’d have to ask everyone their own reasons, but had I gone it would be for the same reason I wake up every morning.
To learn.
Eric L., the massacre was not revenge. It was the extermination of the final remnants of Indian resistance, being chaised North, battered old people, women and children. It was not a policy with a flaw, as you suggest. By today’s definitions, it was genocide.
To connect, to atone, to witness, to achieve understanding of our passage along the river of life. To acknowledge, and clean up our messes as best we can.
My answer: To honor the lost lives.
Wow, that was powerful… one of my favorite rb corrospondent videos so far.
For connection. There are very few true communities left in the world.
Wow -
Bleeding heart liberal RocketBoom doing a show about history - a very unusual step indeed. And a good show too!
I for one hope you keep reading your history books to see other mistakes that have been made in the past, both by “us” and by “them”.
BBBBBBOOOOOOOORRRRRRIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGG
I am so sick and tired of being made to feel guilty because I am white. MOST NATIVE AMERICANS ARE DRUNKS. As far as I am concered those bastards got what they deserved. They should have done what they are told and nothing would have happened to them. The only reason people to that stupied ride is so they can get drunk and blame the white man for all of there problems.. I would not want to go to an event like that I would be worried about all of the empty bottles of thunderbird that would be laying around.
Well, it’s hard to follow toxci and Shannon! But I think people/we go to connect with another culture we should have found so long ago and to try to heal our own wounds. I enjoyed today’s program and am glad to be a viewing part of Rocketboom.
To honor the dead. They at least deserve to not be forgotten.
I just returned from Afganistan where I served in the 7th air Calvary…..a helicopter mounted unit…we are the same 7th Cavalry.
In our brigade are 10 Lakota Indians from SD.
Our mission: to hunt down and kill Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban…..
Guess who the best trackers are? Yep…Lakota. Guess who the best shots are?? Guess who the Taliban fear most
when 7th air Cav lands
You got it…..Lakota Warriors/ code talkers. in the 7th air Cav. Best damn warrior we have. Hoorah!
we are one nation united.
Bobby Evans
“white boy”
Drew is going to censor me on this one but I have to say my piece.
I grew up in Northern Minnesota next to a Chippewa or Ojibwe reservation. Our schools were integrated starting with the 7th grade. The average White 7th grader was 13, the average Ojibwe was 15. They bullied the white kids out of meanness.
I’m not justifying what happened at Wounded Knee. I only tell you that this White man feels no guilt because I remember how I was treated by those with the red skin.
I now make a comfortable living in Northern Virgina; they continue to subsist on alcohol and US Government payments on the Rez. The Great Spirit has spoken, let the truth be heard.
Interesting Rocketboom. And interesting posts for sure. I suppose, as Mr. Miller observed “we are of one flesh, but separated like stars”… and well, ok, such as it is…I recall Esfahan, 1978, as my home was being ransacked by angry local folks - me being a simple-minded expat asked “but, why” and a very determined fellow looked me in the eye and replied (in perfect English, I might add), “Because the sky is blue.” And so, there it was (and always is). Pure crystalline logic. When all else fails, what other answer is there.
In order to be a part of something that seems to be larger than oneself.
it was good to see, that so many still care.After all that has gone on, and maybe the wind will carry the sound of children laughting, not the sound of parents weeping.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown is one of my favorite annual summer reads, which gives a great historical perspective of the history of america looking from the native-american perspective.
Thank you Rocketboom for video blogging all of america, not just latest crazes. You’re always the best.
The white people ride for forgiveness. Or they should do.
For remembering the past.
I’m from Europe and here we know really well that remembering past errors in history is really important to avoid repeating them.
So it’s really important that everyone, especially childs, learn history.
In a manner as objective as possible, without hiding the gray areas, the racism (*all* kinds of racism) and all the violences, including the ones inflicted by the winners on the people that were on the losing side of our history.
Great job. I just stumbled on rocketboom a few weeks ago and love it.
NPR just aired your interview, nice job, but I wonder what he meant by cheesy map and set. You seemed proud of the new big map on its debut. It’s better than the 2005 map.
Keep up the good work
Maybe to remember. As a prayer toward transormation? Maybe each individual who particpates is doing so for different reasons. Maybe they could be asked? We are all just guessing here…One thing I know for sure, we do choose our own way of relating to eachother. Remembering may allow for the most essential shift needed now if we are to continue as a species on the planet.
Thank you Amanda, for your courage to be here everyday and do whatever the hell you want to! You go girl–
I think they ride to remember and honor the fallen, the same as the we do in America when we have parades on Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. Wounded Knee is only one poignant example on the colossal injustice done to the Native Americans.
I heard the NPR story today May 11, 2006. Wow! Now you’re getting the attention you deserve. Now you’re only a couple steps away from appearing on the “Grand Ole Opry”! …or even better “The Muppet Show”!
Especially in the States, there is a need for any kind of experience beyond the too cold too fast too technical world of souless buy/sell. Everything is just in terms of commodities, and win/lose.
People are desperate to find something real.
But what usually happens is they find something, but then go overboard.
Individuals pay respect on events such as this to remember the past, and celebrate the present. Unfortunately these celebrations tend to become less respectful as time goes by. Whether it is blatant commercialism, “creative decisionsâ€Â, or an excuse for drinking, events such as this, and holidays in general for that matter, over time become corrupt mockeries of what they once were. I know that I sound cynical, but there is something positive from all this. As this new more “popular†celebration arises, more individuals are drawn to all the commotion. Eventually some of these individuals will question what all the festivities are about. In answering this, they will rediscover the past and, dare I say it, remember.
The quest for meaning is universal. And its not about us vs. them.
They are looking for that hole in their heart which only our Awesome God can fill with his Amazing Love.
The Love of his Son, Jesus Christ.
Why? That’s easy. For the beer of course!
Seriously though, for the same reasons all humans have memory: To learn, and not make the same mistakes again.
And the beer.
Perhaps to remind us all that extermination has always been, and is still today a conscious, deliberate, and expedient path to wealth.
To remember, just as Santayana warned us.
a longing to never forget
The ride to Wounded Knee should be left to the Lakota and other Native American participants. While most anglos would agree that the treatment of indigenous peoples in North America was truly genocide, none should assume the arrogance to appoint themselves “compatriots of pain”.
It is not for them to apologize as a race for past wrongdoings. It was not their ancestors who were slaughtered, starved or died from new and deadly diseases. While an anglo may sympathize with the generational pain of Native Americans, it is not her or his place to presume that they are a welcome participant in such an event.
Respectful observation from the sidelines? Yes. Participation? No.
While I recognize that the treatment of Native Americans by the Government(s) of the day as grievous, I don’t lose sleep at night over “collective racial guilt”. It’s not for ME to apologize. It’s also not for me to take part, without overt permission, in a ritual that is really none of my business.
Well, it’s a commemoration of an ancient tragedy. Wounded Knee is seen by Indians and by some Palefaces as a symbol of how the two cultures related historically. The White culture of Aggression and Imperialism subdued and killed off the Indians in order to conquer America. They had been doing it to people of color in North America ever since the founding of the Republic. They have been doing around the world to such peoples ever since right up until today in Iraq. There is no end in sight. I guess Wounded Knee is a place for Indians and Whites to gather and remember what their history is and what they are about in relation to each other.
I am looking at Rocketboom on my monitor. Outside it is rainging hard. My native brothers are living the dream.
I’d like to believe we do these things to assure ourselves that such grave actions will never happen again, but sometimes I wonder if we really learn.
If you have to answer, you’ve missed the point.
Maybe those on the journey are trying to put their hearts and minds on the same journey that their ancestors were on.
Maybe those on the journey are trying to put their hearts and minds on the same journey that their ancestors were on.
their vital roots were cut in pieces. and war destroyed their peace. their leaders killed by mighty weapons, their young men doomed to kill.
depression paralyzed their horses who once ran free in space.
this evil story eats their laughter, they try to free the
“wounded knee” place.
For forgiveness.
Thanks for opening our eyes, Amanda.
didn’t have time to read through all these comments so forgive me if I am repeating, but if you want to read a great book about this tragedy, try “Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee” by Dee Brown.
Keep up the great show!
For Prespective:
Each of us has our own take on the events of wounded knee…
Racism is a knife that cuts both ways, and until we see each other for our insides (red) and not our outsides, we won’t really see each other at all.
Talk about the guilt of the Evil Whites, or the Indians isn’t the point.
It was a mistake Like (Pearl Harbor, or the Atom bomb release on Japan) one that needs to be addressed healed, and forgiven, but not forgotten. We are all Human, and need to grow spiritually, and the only way to do that, is to forgive, honor & remeber at the same time.
Odd I didn’t expect deep things from RocketBoom, again
you amaze me, amanda.
in honor of those who died–an appreciation of life
To pay tribute, by retracing their steps, and morn their lost.
For, we all die. Death came to these people, in such a way. That, to remember, is like a awakening.
In remembering, we can learn from the past. May history never repeat itself.
To pay tribute, and morn this lost. Helps us remember the past, and hope that the past doesn’t repeat itself. Let us all remember, so that history will never repeats itself. And in turn, forgive.
Proud to be an American huh? It was criminal what happened to those men, women and children. Those in charge of the 7th cavalry should have been held accountable for the murders comitted. But history repeats itself. Mass murders by our leaders continue. We recently saw what went on in Vietnam. More recently Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Gaza. Where are the warcrimes trbunals? Maybe Bush and Saddam could be bunkies. We can only hope.