Growing Up Native By Carol Gedde

what makes people special? Is it their personal appearance? the way they treat others? Or how much money they have. Accordingly to both essays, “Growing up Native” by Carol Geddes and, “Pretty like a white boy,” by Drew Hayden Taylor emphasizes the beauty of culture through family traditions.

Starting off with the first essay, Carol's upbringing was sated with family support. Not only from her parents, but also her cousins, uncles, and grandparents emitted a sense of “security in every pair of arms.” (175) Her culture taught families the importance of being the comfy mattress that would catch those who messed up. The stepping stone that invigorates to accomplish their dreams. Thus, like teenagers and cellphones, her family was inseparable.

No matter how much they struggled “throughout a time of trememdous problems, the extended family system has lasted” (177). Nobody would step over others. Not a single mind considered sacrificing a person alone. Carol's family embraced lovingly and proceeded together.

Moving on, Drew felt alienated throughout his life, but that never discouraged him from living a happy life. Ever since he was little, he cherished life “frolicking through the bulrushes.”(296) His tribe never isolated him for appearing peculiar. Rather, he was a child that lacked an exceptional amount of love and support. His community showed him compassion in place of his missing biological father. There was always a spot for him. After awhile, he acknowledged his body “understanding that everything around me is important and alive.”(299) No matter society's opinion, he was never confined to his appearance. Only the way h lived his life.

To conclude, both authors matured through the backlash of discrimination. In reality, it was the beginning of something significant. A realization that their life retained values centuries of years old. A tradition that respected everyone and everything. An unlimited fuel of motivation to explore. An urge to declare their own independence. Their culture that sparkled wondrously and full of greatness.