The Courage Found in Native Americans

When their parents are never there for their child, it makes the child feel lonely. Another reason why suicidal thoughts may occur for Native Americans is because they are feeling lonely and lost. Based on the text, “Statistics released from the state of Washington show that suicides among native youth from 10 to 24 years old were more than double the rate of any other ethnic group”(Newsela). This shows that stress is beating the Native Americans. Obviously the problems the Native Americans are facing are too hard for them to cope with, based on these numbers. They may struggle with their money, as well. The people who live on the reservations have financial problems. All in all when a teen is trying to overcome depression, it doesn’t help not having someone there to help them with their

Courage is shown by doing something selfless. Andrew received a draft form the union army, and instead of going to fight the war like a man he chickened out.

Popular culture has shaped our understanding and perception of Native American culture. From Disney to literature has given the picture of the “blood thirsty savage” of the beginning colonialism in the new world to the “Noble Savage,” a trait painted by non-native the West (Landsman and Lewis 184) and this has influenced many non native perceptions. What many outsiders do not see is the struggle Native American have on day to day bases. Each generation of Native American is on a struggle to keep their traditions alive, but to function in school and ultimately graduate.

Courage is a cardinal virtue every human being needs. Courage is doing something frightening you are for the right being even if you are alone in your belief. Many regular humans have used courage also. For example Dr. Martin Luther King jr. stood up for all African Americans, even though almost everyone did not agree with him. He eventually helped end segregation by raising awareness. Sadly, Dr. Martin Luther King jr. was killed just for his beliefs. Today we celebrate a holiday for his great bravery. Bravery is a synonym of courage.

When talking about courage, Muhammed Ali said, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” Native Americans had a great understanding of courage; they understood that without having enough courage to take the risks they needed to they could not survive. Without courage they could not have hunted, traveled, or fought for their livelihoods. The most important value is courage; if it were not for courage none of the other values would matter. Consequently, Native Americans are unsurpassed in the way they handle life's situations.

Courage is when someone does something for non-selfish reasons, no matter how frightening it may be. It’s not just physical bravery that can be considered courage, just speaking out can be just as powerful. A person is courageous when they make decisions that help positively affect another person's life. It means you stick up for what's right no matter the consequences that follow. People can express courage through following their hearts, standing up for what’s right, and expanding their horizons.

People often go through life without knowing what it’s like to be in another person’s shoes. Many outsiders view the United States today, as an undemanding country- with its citizens being able to have jobs and money whenever they need it and living life to it’s fullest. This is the commonly depicted idea of America, though this is not the lifestyle for many living here. Specifically, the Native American community has it the hardest currently. Native Americans have been consistently struggling with life since the Removal Act of 1830- causing mass groups of Natives to be forced onto reservation, ‘till the modern world of today- the 21 century. In the novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, articles “Why Are Indian Reservations So Poor? A Look At The Bottom 1%” by John Koppisch,“The Absence of Native American Power” and “Drinking Behavior and Sources of Alcohol: Differences Between Native American and White Youths” they explain what the average Native American has to go through. Today, being Native American means to constantly struggle with poverty, alcoholism and loss of to try and get by in life.

One good example of courage is in Homer's epic poem, “The Odyssey,” when Odysseus enters the Cyclops’ cave. In the epic poem Odysseus and his men enter the Cyclops cave and the text states “We climbed, then, briskly to the cave. But Cyclops had gone afield..." (Homer 157-158). This example demonstrates that Odysseus enters a Cyclops cave and is not fearful. Odysseus enters the cave because he sees treasure and wants to get it for him and his crew. Odysseus chooses to enter the cave even though he knew the cave was the Cyclops home and this demonstrates courage, and this is why the trait should be encouraged. Another good example of courage that sticks out is Newton Knight, who chooses to help slaves even though he lives in the south during the Civil War. In the Biography.com Editors’s article, “Newton Knight,” Knight chooses to stop fighting for the Confederate Army and goes back to his hometown to help slaves, as the text states “They saw themselves as defending the residents of Jones County from the Confederacy” (Biography.com Editors 1). Therefore, this example demonstrates that Knight chooses to fight against the Confederate Army even though he lives in Mississippi. It takes a lot of courage to go up against the Confederate Army even though he lived in the south and almost everyone was against him. It should

Native Americans have a staggering forty percent rate from suicidal incidents in the ages fifteen through twenty-four. For young adults, it occurs between eighteen and twenty-four. Surprisingly, Native Americans have the highest rate of suicide than the general population, ethnicities, and races. In the year 2014, a report found that suicide happened to be the second leading cause of death, other than unintentional injuries. It is believed that in many occasions, Native Americans do not like to speak about suicide. In the case it was brought up, they will eventually kill themselves. They Native American culture struggles to receive mental-health funding to save anyone they can. Health issues like Diabetes and depression are very common.

Courage (noun): the ability to do something that frightens one, the strength in the face of pain or grief. In the novels Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee the two characters Atticus and George both show courage throughout both novels. Atticus and George define courage by fighting alone when no one else supports them. “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do...” This quote states “you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” Meaning even though you start with a disadvantage you still push through and fight!

The Native Indian history of violence and debasement changed their views and self-image as well. This change later affects how they adapt to American culture and education after being dissuaded from embracing their own for so long. The violence and indifference shown towards the Native Americans during the “Trail of Tears” contributed greatly to this change. In this dreadful journey, Natives of all kinds were forced off

They have had their land stolen from them. They have been victimized again and again by colonists. Today, they face deep systemic racism. Native Americans face unprecedented amounts of adversity that is resulting in a suicide epidemic. In this review, I present solid information on the reasons that a suicide epidemic is affecting the Native American community. Suicide and mental health are not often subjects that make headlines. However, Native Americans have been facing a silent mental health crisis for decades. The rate of suicide in Native American communities is disturbingly high compared to other races. Stigma, abuse, mental illness, and a lack of federal assistance are all factors that contribute to the alarming statistics. I will be looking at the various reasons for why the suicide rates are so high in these groups and what can be or has been done to combat this problem.

Courage is not facing a problem without any fear. Courage is facing an obstacle despite their fear. Standing up for what they believe in, even though there will be negative consequences. That is true courage. The book “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee does a great job of showing this.

Native Americans are also at higher risk of being hurt in unintentional accidents and having children die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Due to chronic illnesses, it can lead to stress and surely increase the risk of alcohol use. And lastly, there are mental health problems. Native American also has high rates of mental illnesses and suicide. “The suicide rate among Native American teens is 2.5 times greater than the national average (Guarnotta, 2016)”.

America Prides itself for being a country of freedom. It is a place where everyone is equal and can be a part of any religion. It welcomes all and tries to celebrate each one. People believe this and happily live not realizing the high cultural neglect, especially that of the Native Americans. The Indians would try to be in small groups and they were less likely to get into wars. These people lived simple lives as hunters and gatherers. As well as creating beautiful woven baskets, danced and had other forms of art such as doctoring or warding off evil. Once America started to be colonized, the native culture was being set aside. In an article entitled “American Policies to Remake Tribal Worlds”, the author States “Americans hoped that if Indian