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'If today I had a young mind to direct, to start on the journey of life, and I was faced with the duty of choosing between the natural way of my forefathers and that of the... present way of civilization, I would, for its welfare, unhesitatingly set that child's feet in the path of my forefathers. I would raise him to be an Indian!'

Zack de la Rocha#12

Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.

CultureIdentityCivilizationTradition

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker prefers traditional indigenous pathways over modern civilization for raising children, valuing cultural heritage.
In plain terms
I would choose my ancestors' way over modern civilization to raise a child.
What can you take from it?
Preserve cultural heritage over modern assimilation.

Where it applies

  • family decisions
  • cultural preservation
  • education choices

Putting it to work

  • teach native languages
  • honor ancestors
  • preserve traditions

Questions to consider

  • What defines a good path for a child?
  • How do you balance tradition and progress?

Another view

This view may reject beneficial aspects of modern society.

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