Kill the indian, save the man

Definition

The phrase 'kill the Indian, save the man' refers to a colonial ideology aimed at forcibly assimilating Indigenous peoples into Western culture by eradicating their native identities and practices. This concept reflects a broader theme of cultural preservation and resistance, highlighting the violent tactics used to suppress Indigenous cultures while promoting European values as a means of civilization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase was popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during a period of aggressive assimilation efforts aimed at Native Americans in the United States.
2. These policies resulted in significant trauma for Indigenous communities, contributing to intergenerational struggles with identity and cultural preservation.
3. Efforts to 'kill the Indian' often included banning Indigenous languages, ceremonies, and traditional practices under the guise of civilization.
4. Resistance to these policies emerged in various forms, including cultural revitalization movements and the preservation of traditional knowledge among Indigenous peoples.
5. Understanding this term is essential for recognizing the long-lasting impacts of colonialism on Native American cultures and ongoing efforts for cultural reclamation.

Review Questions

• How does the ideology behind 'kill the Indian, save the man' reflect the broader goals of colonial powers regarding Indigenous populations?
  • 'Kill the Indian, save the man' illustrates a clear intention by colonial powers to erase Indigenous identities in order to impose Western values. This ideology was rooted in a belief that Indigenous ways of life were inferior and needed to be replaced with Euro-American culture. It reveals how assimilation policies were not only about changing individual behaviors but aimed at eliminating entire cultures through systemic oppression.
• Discuss the impact of assimilation policies like those embodied in 'kill the Indian, save the man' on Indigenous communities during this era.
  • The assimilation policies reflected in 'kill the Indian, save the man' had devastating effects on Indigenous communities. These policies disrupted family structures, led to cultural dislocation, and caused widespread trauma. Many Indigenous children were removed from their families and placed in residential schools where they faced harsh treatment aimed at stripping away their cultural identities. The long-term consequences include challenges related to identity, community cohesion, and cultural transmission.
• Evaluate how contemporary Indigenous movements challenge the historical implications of 'kill the Indian, save the man' and seek to reclaim cultural identity.
  • Contemporary Indigenous movements actively challenge the legacy of 'kill the Indian, save the man' by advocating for cultural preservation and rights. These movements emphasize the importance of reclaiming languages, traditions, and identities that were suppressed through assimilation policies. Activists work toward educating both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations about these historical injustices while fostering cultural revitalization. By emphasizing self-determination and sovereignty, these movements aim to rectify past wrongs and promote a healthier relationship between Indigenous peoples and wider society.

Related terms

Cultural Genocide: The systematic destruction of a group's culture, including language, religion, and traditions, often enacted through policies that aim to assimilate or eliminate that group.

Assimilation Policies: Government policies designed to integrate Indigenous peoples into the dominant culture, often through education, relocation, and the suppression of traditional practices.

Residential Schools: Institutions established in North America to educate Indigenous children by removing them from their families and communities, often resulting in loss of language and cultural identity.