Looking Toward Home An Urban Indian Experience Film Analysis

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Recommended: Native American culture

Nichole Eckman
Prof. Antonio Estrada
Stephanie Morales
MAS 160A1 Section 2B
February 27, 2017
Native American’s in the Shoes of Americans
The Movie Looking Toward home: An Urban Indian Experience, shows the effects of life outside of the reservation on Native Americans (Morris, Chino, & Kruzic, 2003). As a result, it is depicted that Native American lifestyle is constantly evolving from the past because of their relocation. The changes of occupation effect the growing lifestyle of Native Americans. Before Europeans, women and men each had responsibilities (Wishart, n.d.). Specifically, for the plain Indians, the women responsibilities were vast (Wishart, n.d.). For example, they were in charge of farming to housing building. It was common …show more content…

Native Americans clothing differed from men to women, as they do today, but the style varies tremendously (Native American Clothing, n.d.). The men’s everyday clothing was simple and only covered their front and back side by a piece of cloth, which was held up by a belt ( Native Languages of the Americas, n.d.). This piece of clothing is called a breechclout ( Native Languages of the Americas, n.d.). When the weather turned cold, additional clothing was added to cover their legs and was made out of leather ( Native Languages of the Americas, n.d.). Women’s clothing varied from dresses to skirts with a pair of leggings, as well as being topless ( Native Languages of the Americas, n.d.). However, due to relocation, the typical Native American clothing were replaced with “appropriate” period attire. This change of attire can be seen clearly in the movie. At the beginning of the movie, pictures were shown of American Indians arriving in their traditional clothing (Morris, Chino, & Kruzic, 2003). Then, other pictures were shown of Native Americans in clothing related to the time period (Morris, Chino, & Kruzic, 2003). Additionally, in the movie, Mr. Chino talks about his parents in 50’s clothing and a Native American women talked about her and her friends buying dresses with their extra money (Morris, Chino, & Kruzic, 2003). Clothing helps define who a person is and has a direct result in the lifestyle change of the Native

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