Lakota Woman

"Hand in hand with my radicalization went my going back to Indian traditions” (93). Crow Dog makes this comment shortly after she discusses her introduction to AIM. Explain how this seemingly contradictory statement encapsulates the progression of Crow Dog’s journey.

Discuss the dichotomy between the Sioux lifestyle and the white man’s lifestyle as presented in Lakota Woman. How, according to Crow Dog, is the white man’s lifestyle less rational and less purposeful? How is the white man’s attempt to “civilize” the Sioux ironic?

Throughout Lakota Woman, Crow Dog notes several examples of Native Americans dying for their cause, the right to freedom and to reject Christianization. Discuss the concept of sacrifice, paying special attention to figures such as Kangi-Shunka and Annie Mae Aquash, as well as to how ceremonies—for example, the Sun Dance, the Ghost Dance, and the vision quest—reiterate the importance of sacrifice.