Even back to ancient philosophical thinkers, the idea of self preservation or self interest has always been referred to as a natural right of human beings. However, this world has spiraled into a patriarchal and cruel society, where people use this "natural right" to justify their poor decisions or violent acts. Some refuse to see that it is possible to act in self interest and NOT tear down the lives of everyone around you.

Society has been trained to think that we need an authority figure in order to function humanely. Because there has always been "someone in charge", there have always been rules to follow and commandments to obey, and if you don't to these things, well, you don't stand a chance in this world. People say it's because of the tendency to do crime or break rules that we must be kept within a society with rigid codes and laws, but in reality isn't it just the rules themselves that make people want to break them?

This quote stands out to me because it shows the level of societal corruption that you are sort of blind to until you get older. Younger generations are always confused by older generations when they say things like "that's just how the world works." It is so sad, because many people are cynical and pessimistic about the world because of its predictability, but others somehow remain optimistic.

This is something that is so commonplace in our society. From imperialist powers to Christian missionaries, oppressors always insist that they were helping or saving the group or community that they forced themselves upon. This tactic has only further contributed to the "superiority" complex that many nations have today. If they see themselves as saviors, how will they ever face any consequences?

A very common theme seen in Indigenous history. So many Americans are taught to accept the history lessons written by the oppressors when really they are just never shown any other perspective. It is so important for individuals to research and seek out new points of view before picking a side of history to be on.

I find this quote very insightful. I think it is important for writers to be real with their readers to show the inner conflict and self doubt that troubles native communities as a result of cultural erasure. It is so difficult for people to maintain their own cultural identity when their ancestors were punished for it.