Sitting Bull, most renowned Sioux of modern history, is dead. He was not a Chief, but without Kingly lineage he arose from a lowly position to the greatest Medicine Man of his time, by virtue of his shrewdness and daring. He was an Indian with a white man's spirit of hatred and revenge for those who had wronged him and his. In his day he saw his son and his tribe gradually driven from their possessions: forced to give up their old hunting grounds and espouse the hard working and uncongenial avocations of the whites. And these, his conquerors, were marked in their dealings with his people by selfishness, falsehood and treachery. What wonder that his wild nature, untamed by years of subjection, should still revolt? What wonder that a fiery rage still burned within his breast and that he should seek every opportunity of obtaining vengeance upon his natural enemies.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- This passage portrays Sitting Bull as a vengeful leader driven by the loss of his land and people.
- In plain terms
- Sitting Bull was a famous leader who fought back after his people lost their lands.
- What can you take from it?
- Loss and betrayal drive resistance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What forces lead to armed resistance?
- How is history written by victors?
Another view
The account is biased and lacks Indigenous perspectives.
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