The issues presented in the movie “ Who Owns the Past ” are valid from a cultural perspective. The Indian culture requires families to be responsible for the bodies of their dead loved ones (SnagFilms, 2017). Depriving them of this cultural right can only serve to erode a culture that makes up a significant part of human life. Therefore, the Indians have a cultural right to demand the bodies of their family members. However, the importance of archeological research can also not be downplayed. The research is equally important to archeologists in building a body of knowledge that is of importance to humanity. I believe that there is a need to find a compromise between the two opposing positions. Such a compromise must allow the Indian people the right to the custody of their loved ones while equally allowing archeologists to carry out their research. Considering these factors when resolving pending issues will greatly help to stop this long-standing dispute between Indians and archeologists.
I agree with the posting that the movie is indeed informative and interesting. Most importantly, I agree with the position that native cultures must be preserved at all costs. The culture of a people is one factor that unifies the people and defines who they are. Preserving the people’s culture is a great honor to the people in question (James, 2006). Although I agree that there has been great progress in the legal circle in helping to preserve the Indian culture, I differ on the effectiveness of such legal structures from the implementation perspective. I think that the laws have not been enforced enough to deter people from denying the Indians their cultural right to safeguard their dead. As the American government seeks to resolve the pending issues emphasis must equally be placed on the aspect of implementation.
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References
James, K. (2006). Identity, Cultural Values, and American Indians’ Perceptions of Science and Technology. American Indian Culture and Research Journal, 30 (3), 45-58. DOI:10.17953/aicr.30.3.b54252h8567346l0
SnagFilms. (2017). Who Owns to the Past? - Full Movie | Snagfilms. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ybpgR_Hjqk&feature=youtu.be
