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A few thoughts that may have no support or depth….

After comparing the two readings on American Indian education and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, I am having a hard time deciphering whether the evolution of Indian education in the US is good or bad. Szasz and Ryan end their article suggesting that the educational practices have improved for American Indians since its beginnings with bilingual educational practices and parent and community involvement. Could it be that the Indian has become disciplined enough to be allowed the opportunity to have a voice in their education. Has the Indian lost so much of his/her own “culture” that bilingual education is being offered to them by their oppressor?

Although I do agree that what was happening at the Carlisle Industrial School was absurd, the inner transformation that the school desired almost seems to have worked. In a process that involves more factors than just institutional education, the body of the Indian has been disciplined to the extent that more American Indians were in public schools, were attending college, and working or fighting for this country (supporting the war). Many people may consider this a good thing and “progress” for the Indian but could it be that a life more similar to successful Americans is today’s form of indoctrinating Indians with Christianity. What we may consider good for the Indians is our current and continuing way of “civilizing” them.