Indian Schools and Values

“This rule is uncalled for, and today is not only robbing the Indian, but America of a rich heritage.” These were the words written by a Native American, Luther Standing Bear, during the time when Indian schools were created. Luther Standing Bear was forced to leave his home and everything that he had grown to know behind because of the Indian Schools. When he went to and Indian Boarding School, he was forced to give up certain customs of his such as his language, food, traditional clothing, and hair. He was forced to act like someone he wasn’t and behave like a completely different person because his values did not align with “American” values, as they were simply different. By making Indians give up their values, the Englishmen were creating a less diverse America and taking away the values of tolerance and open-mindedness, which is a value that many Americans value today. Forcing people to change who they are and what they believe creates a society where everyone is the same and gives rise to the persecution of those who are different, which has occurred in so many different nations around the world.  During the 19^th century, the lifestyles of Indians was considered a threat to “American” values simply because they were different and wanted to keep their own traditions and values, just like the English people in America did.