Act of Sadness | Assertion Analysis #7

Wooden Leg; Cheyenne war leader. Him and his people forced into reservations, assimilating partially into being a Christian and working as the reservation's judge, and taught American Law. In a speech, he compares the loss of Native culture to a plant being cut and uprooted.

In his speech, Wooden Leg describes the proper way to remove a plant. Stating that given that plants have their own spirit, they can be removed, but “should not be uprooted.” While the body of the plant can be taken away, the roots must remain. Also, he states that removing a plant is sad and done with “a prayer for forgiveness because of his necessities". Stating that people should be aware of the importance of what they are removing, and realize their actions. On a surface level, it seems that he’s going real in depth with a plant, but this topic also reflects the assimilation of a culture, and doing so properly.

The plant that Wooden Leg discusses is a metaphor for culture, or in this case, native culture. Much like the plant a culture should not be “uprooted”, or removed completely. The culture must be kept alive by maintaining its roots, otherwise it is lost. This can be seen in Wooden Leg partially assimilating with converting and becoming a judge, but still staying true to his roots in things such as his name. Those harming the spirit of this plant should be aware of their actions. When assimilating into the culture, people should be aware to keep the “spirit” of their original culture. Wooden Leg is clearly outlining how to properly assimilate into a culture.

In comparing a plant and it’s roots to a culture and assimilation, Wooden Leg is able to provide a clear way to properly assimilate into a culture. Also, describing his own tactic at assimilating into the white culture, while still staying true to his own native culture. Tearing the roots of a plant leaves nothing of the original plant, and the same applies to any culture that is introduced to a different one.