Synthesis Essay: On Native Identity

Indigenous. Native. Indian. American.

Contemporary Native American identity can be a tricky to navigate. As explored in Tommy Orange’s There There, many of today’s Native community struggle to rectify their identity with their culture's past. But how do these fictional accounts intersect with accounts of real-life Native Americans? What about their struggle is fictionalized and what is genuine? In a synthesis essay, bring together one main character from There There (e.g. Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield) and at least three of the following articles. Find the common thread between all the texts so that a “snapshot” of contemporary Indian identity emerges.

Choose at least three of the following texts to synthesize with a character from There There.:

1. “My Mother is Native American, but I Look White. My Identity is More than My DNA.” (Washington Post)
2. “Who Decides Who Counts as Native American?” (New York Times)
3. “Native American is Not My Race—It's Who I Am” (Vice)
4. “OpDocs: A Conversation with Native Americans on Race” (New York Times)
5. “Indigenous Voices: Life as a Young and Native American”(Vice)

The best papers will:

• Stay within the parameters of the prompt
• Have a concise thesis illustrating how a There There character and real-life Native Americans intersect
  
• Conclude with a summation of your points
• Be in MLA Style  

Required:

• MLA Style
• Approximately 750 words
• Works cited 

 

Due: Wed 2.24