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Can we become individuals?


  3. yazweh
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My name is Ryle Yazzie. I'm Native American (Navajo) that lives in New Mexico. I just listened to Saul Williams on the Wake up show on youtube. I find myself and my people in a similar place. That we are brain washed into thinking and appearing as a Native American. I myself, don't buy into the whole image of what I should look like, I want to be an individual. I understand that there are certain things that I will always be apart of being Navajo. Thinking like this, It has brought on concerns of other people that maybe wanting to be individuals and not stereotypes. So can we ever evolve as people and get away from the idea that is imprinted on us and other people.

here is link to something I've done in the past, I was a co-director on this project.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzVK2fW4aWw
yazweh

6 responses // Can we become individuals?

  • Excellent topic, Ryle. I think the filmmakers on our project, Urban Navajo, really struggled with some similar ideas. We try not to stereotype but people still have strong ideas of different cultures are like.
    dbocaz
  • http://current.com/items/88922716_urban_navajo
    Here's a link to Urban Navajo if you'd like to take a look.
    dbocaz
  • What was it that you had issue with? Can you fill me in?
    CIPHERBEY1
  • I think he is concerned about the whole "beads and feathers" image of Native Americans. I have a lot of Native American student filmmakers but they don't seem to get support for their work unless it is about "beads and feathers" and very native themes. Just because they are native doesn't mean they are not interested in making movies on non-native topics.
    dbocaz
  • Individualism can also be seen as a very American disease. We value Individual freedom over seeking ways to unify as community. On top of that we keep trying to put people in boxes. These are the "beads and feathers" people. These are the people that talk funny. These people pray to Who? These people are rich. These people are blue collar. These are white. These are gay.

    Why do we do this?

    Why are we afraid to see ourselves in everybody?


    I suspect this is why people want to shake the image of "beads and feathers" or gay or black or speaking with accent or artist. We feel separated out from the rest of society.

    This separation/individualism can be both a badge of pride or a place to hide. But however you slice it. It is separation from community.

    just some thoughts...
    twodee
  • Maybe some versatility and creative angles are called for here. In my opinion the features that make us who we are is unique, and as we share, we offer a bit of ourselves. It is only when others expect our self definitions to be marketed that we run into bias. But we control how much about us we care to share. Should we make the determination to control our creativity without bearing our souls for others to experience? Can that happen?
    CIPHERBEY1

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