Military-style discipline

Definition

Military-style discipline refers to a strict and regimented approach to behavior and conduct, often characterized by a focus on obedience, conformity, and adherence to rules. In the context of boarding schools for Native American children, this form of discipline was implemented as part of a broader strategy for forced assimilation, aimed at erasing Indigenous identities and instilling Euro-American values and norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Military-style discipline in boarding schools often involved strict rules, uniforms, and rigorous schedules designed to break down Indigenous children's cultural identities.
2. Students were frequently punished for speaking their native languages or practicing traditional customs, reinforcing the goal of cultural assimilation.
3. The use of military-style discipline was justified by the belief that Indigenous peoples needed to be 'civilized' according to Euro-American standards of behavior and education.
4. Many children experienced trauma as a result of the harsh discipline practices, which included physical punishment and emotional abuse.
5. This approach contributed to long-lasting negative impacts on Indigenous communities, including loss of language, culture, and intergenerational trauma.

Review Questions

• How did military-style discipline reflect the broader goals of boarding schools aimed at Native American children?
  • Military-style discipline was integral to the boarding school system's aim of forced assimilation. It emphasized strict obedience and conformity, reflecting the belief that Indigenous children needed to abandon their cultural identities in favor of Euro-American values. The regimented environment served to instill a sense of control and uniformity among students while systematically erasing their traditional practices and languages.
• Discuss the impact of military-style discipline on the psychological well-being of Native American children in boarding schools.
  • The implementation of military-style discipline had severe consequences for the psychological well-being of Native American children. Many faced harsh punishments for minor infractions, leading to feelings of shame, fear, and worthlessness. This oppressive environment not only stunted their emotional development but also contributed to long-term trauma that affected their ability to form healthy relationships and maintain their cultural identities later in life.
• Evaluate the legacy of military-style discipline in boarding schools on contemporary Native American communities and their cultural revival efforts.
  • The legacy of military-style discipline continues to resonate within contemporary Native American communities. The historical trauma caused by forced assimilation practices has left deep scars, affecting individuals' relationships with their culture and identity. However, many communities are actively engaged in cultural revival efforts aimed at reclaiming their languages and traditions. These initiatives confront the painful past while fostering resilience and pride in Indigenous identities, showing how the impact of military-style discipline can be transformed into a powerful movement for healing and empowerment.

Related terms

Forced Assimilation: The process by which individuals or groups are compelled to adopt the cultural norms of another group, often leading to the loss of their original cultural identity.

Residential Schools: Institutions established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to educate Indigenous children in North America, often employing military-style discipline to enforce compliance.

Cultural Genocide: The systematic destruction of a group's culture, including language, traditions, and social practices, often through policies that aim to erase their identity.