I mentioned the PBS series "We Shall Remain" in an earlier post, but now that I've seen it, it really is a must-see. This was only the first of five.
If you think you know what happened after the Pilgrim's landed, this is a great show to watch. If you want a moving, dramatic story to watch, it's also good.
It is gratifying to finally see an American history through Native eyes - we were here for every second of "American history," and shaped this country as much as any other American, but usually get relegated, quite literally, to the margins of the history books. One of the behind-the-scenes interviews addresses the stories of these Native people of history as "American patriots." Although the truth of this is no more true today than yesterday, you almost never here the Native people of this continent referred to as patriots.
But it is also not as some might "fear." It is not, "here's the victim Native people, and the bad guy English." They show some very touching moments, actually, and redeemed some of the Pilgrim people for me where I used to have only frustration. It does not, in reverse of the history we tend to teach in our schools, show the Native people as always being right, and the English/non-Native as always being bad.
Instead this first episode made a point of showing the Native people of the region for what they were - a civilization. Real people with real strengths and weaknesses, friends and enemies, families, agriculture, economy and spirituality. They didn't bend to the "noble Indian" stereotype, which can be just as dangerous as the "savage Indian" stereotype. They just showed real people coping with incredibly complicated, difficult situations.
In short, I was impressed.
The next episode is set for Monday at 8 p.m., Alaska time, PBS.
One of the more impactful moments came near the end of the episode.
Just one generation after the Wampanoag have literally ensured the Pilgrim's survive, and have ceded them land, the tide has turned and the Native people are being stolen from, made to give up their weapons and sign false confessions. A battle is inevitable, and the governor of Rhode Island is summoned to warn the young Wampanoag leader against action.
Says the governor, "The English are too strong for you."
Says Philip, son of Massosoit, "Than the English should treat us, as we treated the English when we were too strong for the English."
I realize how little I watch "Native American" themed movies or documentaries every time I do so. Sometimes it feels as if you've been punched over and over, and you leave the movie feeling beat up. Sometimes it is a growing sadness, because no movie or documentary involving Native history has a happy ending. Not a one.
Although this episode makes me feel proud - it was also pretty emotional. It is the inevitably of it all - the hope spoken by the leaders that if they just fight bravely enough, things can be all right for their people.
Which is why we contine their work.
UPDATE: Sweet! You can watch the first episode online! It's on the PBS Web site.
TIP:
Enter the amount, and click "Tip" to submit!
Kerry Lauerman
gail williams
designanator
Leigh Bailey
natesmith124
Joan Walsh
Salon.com
Comments
The series is essential, and I shall eagerly watch all of it.
However, your comments showed to me how we all still sometimes see things through a differnt lens, and with our own biases.
I thought the pilgrims did come off as kind of wrinkly-clothed old religious bigots. Perhaps they were, and perhaps I would not have liked them. (I don't like religious bigotry or genocide.) But I did not see what was motivating them, did not understand them, and I thought they came off pretty bad, not very human.
The Native Americans seemed well-dressed, attractive, and a lot more likeable. I clearly understood them and their motivations.
It was clearly genocide. But I do agree with you that we need to see each other as just different human beings, just not all stereotyped figures.
But enough about me. This is about Native America, and telling their history.
I was sort of dreading it, like you said, it is always a tragic outcome. I have been glad that the Native Americans where I live are the biggest employer, and donate thousands to our town. At least that is a positive. How do you see that?
Thanks for allowing me to present my impression. I find your comments fascinating, and helps me to understand and enjoy the series. I look forward to seeing the rest, and I hope that you will continue to blog your impressions.
To me, the worst parts came after that generation was over. Once there was nobody on the English side who saw the Native tribe as intelligent, prosperous people who helped them at their time of need, all bets were off.
I still think Native people can come out with - if not the "happy ending" - than a happier ending than the direction we'd been going for a few centuries. In this, I agree with the Native contributions. In the last few decades, Native corporations, organizations and tribes have really seen a huge change, and we are now one of Alaska's biggest employers. Not "Native employers" - we employ a huge number of ALL Alaskans.
I was very impressed with the director and he has won my favoritism again. I was disappointed in his work with “Smoke Signals” and was hoping that he did a better job with this series – and indeed, he has found his stride again.
Now about more Native themed movies - excuse me if you’ve seen this, but the best on my list is the older cult classic Pow wow Highway. Wes Studi, in particular, is a comedic genius. Most Native-themed movies cast him as this “stoic god-type” or a vicious, bloodthirsty warrior. He is legendary in this movie and this is one of the funniest movies, of any type, of all time.
Just two more modern/more positive themed ones – “Dance Me Outside” and “The Education of Little Tree” for any interested folks.
I must agree with Y Heron about Pow Wow Highway. It doesn't get much better than that, and a happy ending to boot. Unfortunately, I enjoyed it much better than Smoke Signals, even though it wasn't by a native author or director. Oh well...still a must see.
I think I'll order the series (even though I'm poor), and give it as a gift to a local school.