The Limits of an Empire

Throughout history, we have seen rising empires successfully execute their plans to expand their ideals, practices, attire, religion and culture to other lands. The other people who inhabit these other lands are forced to assimilate to an expanding empire’s culture. This has often resulted in defiance, discrimination and a decline in another culture. A suitable example of an empire achieving this is the American empire, when they nearly eliminated the American Indian people and culture. The limit of an empire should be when an entire culture they choose to conquer is gone. If empires continue to erase cultures to grow their own, our world will lose its beauty in diversity.

On January 11, 1902, William A. Jones, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, wrote a letter to the Superintendent of Round Valley, California concerning the physical appearances and customs of Native American students. He begins by explaining immorality of their practices, then demands the eradication of the Native students’ actions. In his letter, Jones wrote,

"You are therefore directed to induce your male Indians to cut their hair, and both sexes to stop painting…. Employment, supplies, etc., should be withdrawn until they do comply and if they become obstreperous about the matter a short confinement in the guard-house at hard labor, with short hair, should furnish a cure… The wearing of citizens clothing, instead of the Indian costume and blanket, should be encouraged. Indian dances and so-called Indian feasts should be prohibited. In many cases these dances and feasts are simply subterfuges to cover degrading acts and to disguise immoral purposes. You are directed to use your best efforts in the suppression of these evils" (William A. Jones, 1902).

Jones’ letter clearly illustrates his distaste towards the Native American culture and his desire for American culture to be forced upon them. He even wished for them to be harshly punished if they refused. This exact same outlook has put the Native American culture on the brink of extinction and has continued in this country for centuries. Now, the Native American culture and population are still extremely low.

The United States Census Bureau reported that in 2015, the remaining population of the Native American population, including mixed with other races, was 5.4 million. They made up approximately 2% of the American population. As time has passed by, the population has gradually grown because of our government becoming more culturally aware and supportive of giving them more rights. But still, the Native American culture is underrepresented in our society because the American empire was extremely successful in oppressing it. The American empire has reached its limit with the natives of this country. They still are trying to live their lives in peace, freedom and without any ridicule. Keeping cultures alive makes this world worth learning about and discovering, so we hope to keep incredible cultures like the Native Americans, growing and thriving.

Works Cited

Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75. "Long-hair" letter from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Superintendent, Round Valley, California" January 11, 1902;

https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/longhair-letter-from-commissioner-of-indian-affairs-to-superintendent-round-valley-california

United States Census Bureau. "Population, 5.4 million" November 2, 2015;

http://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2015/cb15-ff22.html