A Fixation of the Native Identity

Cari Carpenter’s “Detecting Indianness: Gertrude Bonnin’s Investigation of Native American Identity,” tackles the question of identity and the importance of association. Identity, usually related to the notion of trying to find one’s self and the impacts of assimilation, is given a different face by Carpenter’s work. Instead of asking how identity is affected by integration of new traditions, Carpenter focuses on why it is such an obsession to pinpoint and preserve it as defended by Zitkala-sa. The issue is not about Zitkala-sa’s conflict between her own identity, but why she was so concerned about preserving her traditional Indian roots. How Zitkala-sa questions Chinquilla reveals what she considers Native and Non-native, whether it be the physical appearance or actions of that person.

There was a growing audience interested in the culture of Native Americans. With the spread of the Indian culture through publications, like magazines, the community was able to be supported financially, however, it did stir up sentiments among people, particularly Zitkala-sa. Publications taught spectators, how to be Indian and what the culture was about , but as Sa stressed; it did not make them Indian. Actually, many used this information to their advantage to "pass" as Native. Some Indians didn’t like how Non-natives and even fellow Natives were using their culture. In a way, they felt like culture is not a study or mere collection of how a people act, it’s a way of life. Others like native anthropologist, Arthur Parker, saw this opportunity to honor their culture.

Zitkala-sa's actions were in the purest intentions. Though many criticized her, it is evident that she had the best interest for her people. Her culture is unique and very sacred, that to let just anyone abuse it will serve as disrespect to the whole community. She felt the need to set boundaries, value exclusivity, and preserve what was truly Indian, in order to ensure the survival of her culture. The loss of authenticity will allow for her people to continue to be forgotten and lose their voice amongst the scattered ideas and false traditions.

Source:

Carpenter, Cari. "Detecting Indianness: Gertrude Bonnin's Investigation Of Native American Identity."Wicazo Sa Review 20.1 (2005): 139-159. Academic Search Premier. Web. 13 November 2014.