Listen to the following report from the September 8th, 1998 edition of National Public Radio's "All Things Considered". It concerns the way in which the Red Lake Chippewa of Minnesota are dealing with new welfare reform laws that will force major changes in the economic and cultural life on the reservation. The report deals with some of the modern stereotypes and myths many people hold about Native Americans (such as their attunement to the environment or the success of casion gambling) while highlighting the concerns of a group unsure how change will affect their community.
Write a short essay (approximately 1 page, single spaced) on this topic. Include observations on how some of the problems the Red Lake community faces have deep historical background and how modern myths and stereotypes affect these people. This assignment is due at the beginning of class on Thursday, September 17th.
Click HERE
to listen to the first portion of the report (approximate running time
12:30).
Click HERE
for the second portion of the report (approximate running time 8:00).