Ep 12. In the White Man's Image

In the American Experience season 4 episode 12 entitled "In the White Man's Image," the viewer is taken on a journey through the history of the American Indian boarding school system. The episode explores the government's efforts to assimilate Native American children into white American culture by removing them from their families and sending them to boarding schools.

Through interviews with Native Americans who attended these schools and historians who have studied the system, the episode uncovers the traumatic experiences that many children endured. The schools were often underfunded and overcrowded, and the children were forced to abandon their cultural traditions and speak only English. Punishments for speaking their native languages or practicing their traditional beliefs were severe, and many children suffered physical and sexual abuse at the hands of school administrators.

Despite these hardships, many Native Americans who attended boarding schools managed to preserve their cultural identities and pass them down to future generations. The episode highlights the resilience and strength of these individuals and their communities in the face of adversity.

Overall, "In the White Man's Image" sheds light on a dark chapter in American history and the ongoing legacy of cultural genocide against Native American peoples. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences and preserving the diverse heritage of all peoples.