Emergence of Red Power movement in 1960s Research Paper

Emergence of Red Power movement in 1960s - Research Paper Example The period in between 1960s and 1970s, was a period that the federal government faced immense pressure from the Native Americans in regards to addressing the issues that faced the Indians at the same time the need to reassert the rights of the Indians. Emergence of Red Power movement in 1960s Outline Introduction History of Red power movement Causes for the Emergence of Red Power Movement Conclusion Bibliography Emergence of Red Power movement in 1960s Introduction Red power was a force to reckon with in the 1960s. It had a huge influence in decisions made by the government including policies. The period in between 1960s and 1970s, was a period that the federal government faced immense pressure from the Native Americans in regards to addressing the issues that faced the Indians at the same time the need to reassert the rights of the Indians. By imitating other ethnic groups at that time, the Indians in America gained courage and stood up to reaffirm their cultural and ethnic identity . It is from these ideas and operations that constituted a movement that would come to be identified as the Red Power Movement. The main and particular aim of the Red Power Movement was to do away with the federal policy of termination, lead the Indians to their ancestral and cultural ways an at the same time revitalize as well as review the existing Indian communities of that time. As the movement established itself, it emulated its counterpart movements that represented the Africa Americans and Latinos in a number of different ways. The Red Power movement used various means of operations to pass their message across the public regarding the general grievances and plight of the Native Americans they represented. Among the various means used in sending their message across are demonstrations, protests, marches and sit-ins. One of the most attention-grabbing and publicized events that was undertaken by the Red Power movement was the famous nineteen-month occupation of an abandoned fe deral prison in Alcatraz Island in early 1969. Majority of the Indian activists perceived this as the crucial spark that was part and parcel of igniting the flame of the Red Power Movement. After the occupation in Alcatraz Island, more occupations were undertaken in various locations throughout the country. The siege in 1973 that lead to the occupation of Wounded Knee, which was in South of Dakota is recoded as one of the famous sieges that overshadowed the others1. From 1971, there have been numerous protests going on throughout the country, in reserves as well as in the cities. These protests incorporated Native Americans, organizations and native newspapers, all motivated to fight for the rights and interests of the American Indians. The 1970s period is regarded as years in which there was the most intense pressure brought about by Native American protests in the whole of twentieth century. The protests that took place in early 1970s were inspired by the Alcatraz occupation model as Indians repossessed the federal land and later on reclaimed it for cultural and educational purposes2. History of Red power movement The American Indian activism roots are dated back in 1492, despite much of their activities getting recognition in 1960s and 1970s. In 1492, there was an encounter between the indigenous people of Mesoamerica and European explorers. More encounters were to occur in 1607 and in 1622. At this period, the reasons for the activism were complicated and at the same time simple. The reasons were protection of their homeland and recognition by the incoming invaders3. According to Teruton, the leaders of Red Power brought about new social knowledge that was manifested in their political operations. This knowledge was often verified with the growth of the movement. Despite the discrimination they faced from the whites and the economic and social bondage they were in, majority of the Indians soldiered on with their cultural activities. The Red Power played a great role in inspiring the American Indians in declaring their rights and culturally expressing themselves. Majority of the Indians at this moment began transforming as they compared their cultures