discussionboardreplies.docx 

2 discussion board replies 250 word min

Discussion Reply to Megan

 

Ed Barker’s story was very sad to hear, but it was also very uplifting and informative to listen to. I love hearing about other people’s lives that were so different than my own because I love other cultures and think listening to other people’s experiences help us to understand not just their lives, but their culture. His experiences growing up are similar to the Native American and Social Class course material just through the different preconceived notations and ambiguous definition of what a Native American is and what their society means. They were also similar and their socioeconomic status because Ed grew up in a lower socioeconomic status, and those who even live on the tribes are normally part of a lower socioeconomic status as well. Another thing that Ed’s experience had that is similar to Native Americans are the values that he was raised with, such as harmony with nature, sharing and cooperation. In his life he demonstrated harmony with nature when his father fulfilled his dream of living in the mountains surrounded literally by nature. It was here the Ed had to learn to live off the land and be grateful for everything he received and cooperate with this family. Another huge similarity that both Ed and the Native American culture share is their bond and importance of family. Although Ed did not talk as much about the closeness or details of his family, when he did speak of them, you could tell that they were very important to him, and he felt a loyalty to them and pride of elders, such as his father and grandfather. I think a big aspect of Ed’s personality that I observed while watching the interview video is a reflection of how similar he truly is to the Native American culture, and that was his almost quiet, humble, polite demeanor. Throughout he whole interview Ed came across more soft spoken, and he did not once complain about the life he had or brag about the life he had. Instead he simply stated this is the way it was, and I loved my life, even the hard parts. All in all, this was a great interview to get to listen to.

 

 

Discussion Board Reply to Javera 250 words

You never judge a person by the color of their skin. You judge them by the attitude of their heart.” ~ Dr. Ed Barker

 

     This quote from the presentation regarding Dr. Barker’s multiracial experience as a Native American is one that resonates deeply in my soul. It speaks to everything I was taught and everything I try to teach my daughters and my students. Dr. Ed Barker’s overcame challenges of prejudice, low self-esteem, and identity. His experience is inspiring and his message should be shared.

     Dr. Barker’s experiences with prejudice came through name calling, specifically “half-breed,” refusal of service in an ice cream shop, and distancing from others who were of a higher socioeconomic status/class and/or white. Furthermore, the uncertainty of his own heritage did not help him address these prejudiced situations as what they actually were – racism. Thus, he seemed to accept the acceptance of “ethnic kids.” However, he expressed that because his family did not encourage knowledge of his heritage, he often felt as two different people who lived in two different worlds. While he often felt out of place because he wasn’t sure of his true identity, he was able to build off the strength and guidance of the family values instilled in him and, later, God. The treatment that he experienced was, unfortunately, similar to that of  Native Americans.

     Dr. Barker said that while he may have lived poorly, he still “grew up rich.” It was these values, Native American values that pulled him through and, ultimately, allowed him to feel with certainty that he could “fit anywhere.” One example of a Native American value he seemed to be able to relate is “harmony with nature” (Hays & Erford, 2014, p.359). Dr. Barker talked about learning to hunt and spending time outside and in the woods growing up. I can almost visualize him walking through the trees searching for food to add to the family’s stew thinking about his role in the world. The experiences he had growing up prepared him and allowed him to appreciate the things he had in life. Another Native American value Dr. Barker could relate to was “self-discipline both in body and mind” (Hays & Erford, 2014, p. 359). While he was so young learning how to protect himself, he was able to recognize the severity of a situation if he were to use those skills and was able to refrain from doing so in fear of hurting someone. However, the fact that he was so young and had to use such focus did cause him to feel as though he couldn’t be normal. Thus, he developed a low self-esteem. However, Dr. Barker overcame all of this. He was able to prove to himself that he was worth something wonderful and could accomplish great things.

     Dr. Barker was fit with the “armor” of strong family Native American values and God’s love. He grew up in a low socioeconomic status; however, he rose above that and accomplished greater things which allowed him to achieve a higher socioeconomic status. More importantly, he never looked at others as others looked at him. He appreciated and respected everyone and held no judgments. He did, however, recognize that not all others did the same. Yet, he continued to strive for success, worked hard, and maintained the Native American lessons taught by his family. Therefore, building within himself a positive and encouraging attitude in his heart.