Crazy Horse Weeps: The Challenge of Being Lakota in White America

by Joseph M. Marshall III

Poverty, physical abuse, suicide, and addiction have all reached epidemic proportions on South Dakota’s Indian reservations. Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota children and young adults are disproportionately affected by these trends. Historical trauma, chronically underfunded federal programs, and broken promises on the part of the US government have resulted in gaping health, educational, and economic disparities compared to the general population. Award-winning Lakota writer Joseph M. Marshall III, who himself was raised on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, wants to give voice to the hundreds of thousands of Native children currently suffering. Crazy Horse Weeps offers a thorough historical overview of how South Dakota reservations have wound up in these tragic circumstances. Through personal narratives and firsthand accounts from children and their families, he shows how discrimination, a disorganized tribal government, and a devastating dissolution of Lakota culture by the US government have transformed the landscape of Native American life. These extraordinary challenges, Marshall argues, can be overcome. Using his extensive experience in traditional Lakota wisdom, he proposes a return to traditional tribal values and outlines a plan for a hopeful future.

Genres: Indigenous, Nonfiction, Native Americans

200 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2019

About the author

Joseph M. Marshall III was born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and holds a PhD from the reservation university, which he helped to establish. The award-winning author of ten books, including Hundred in the Hand, The Lakota Way, and The Journey of Crazy Horse, he has also contributed to various publications and written several screenplays. His first language is Lakota, he handcrafts traditional Lakota bows and arrows, and he is a specialist in wilderness survival. Marshall's work as a cultural and historical consultant can be seen and heard in the Turner Network Television and Dreamworks epic television miniseries Into the West. "

Reviews

[chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

We have lost much as well—initially homelands and territories, freedom, and ancient lifestyles. Yet we are on the cusp of losing more. Indeed we stand on the edge of losing it all. The fact of the matter is our final stronghold is not territory or a piece of land. Our final stronghold is our sense of identity

I have to admit that I didn't read the synopsis of this book before going into it - the (sub)title Crazy Horse Weeps: Stories of Young Lives on South Dakota's Indian Reservations - The Challenge of Being Lakota in White America was enough for me to want to read it. What I expected from the title was a collection of stories/essays from young(er) Natives who grew up/are living on Indian Reservations - let's say - in the past thirty to forty years. It's not.

This is an historical overview of the systematic racial discrimination and forced assimilation against Native people by the U.S. government and how it's repeated throughout history - to this day. Joseph M. Marshall III elaborates on the Wounded Knee Massacre, the Battle of the Greasy Grass (known to White America as the Battle of the Little Bighorn) but also on the events surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, for example or what Natives thought about the 2019 Trump administration family separation policy at the southern U.S. border and why it's so familiar to them.

I believe these essays are meant for white people - White America in particular, of course. They serve as a mirror, as an appeal to listen to Natives and let them tell their own history in their own words and languages before their culture and traditions - their identity - are completely lost to the younger generations but most of all I think, they are a great entry point in order to seek out further learning material on events/topics brought up in this collection. Change can't occur if people aren't even aware of what needs to be changed.

I hope that enough white people learn the real history of this continent, even though it is an ugly history, and take steps to ensure that the true history of white and Native interaction be taught to all Americans. To create a realistic awareness of the past is to guarantee that all the ugly things do not happen again, ever. I hope that white people learn and understand that genocide and slavery are the great sins of their ancestors. And it is their contemporary sin if they cannot or do not accept that reality.

There are so many passages I could quote, varying from being infuriating to hopeful, from astounding to inspirational! My favourite essay - besides the emotional final story of The Ones Who Came to Dance - is called You Must Help Others Before You Think of Yourself, though. It talks about leadership, traditional Lakota communities and the "positions" within, how important accurate representation in movies and such is, because even small misinterpretations are lasting (e.g. in regards to the title "chief") altough they sometimes also can be pretty funny, or do you know what movie this title - translated from English to inaccurate Lakota back to English - refers to: Dances with the Big Dog Who Lives Where the People Do Not?

Anyway, I would recommend this essay collection to anyone who is remotely interested in learning more about the true history of indigenous Americans or wants to become more aware in general and doesn't really know where to start.

Thank you to NetGalley and Fulcrum Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. The quotes are taken from an eARC and may have been edited before publication.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

At its heart, this book seems to be by Lakota, for Lakota. There is a repetitive account of the tragic history of Native peoples, current examples of a lack of any change on the part of the white powers in the country, and a desperate plea to do everything possible to preserve and pass on Native culture and traditions to the next generation. There are good takeaways scattered throughout: “Hope is often the last resort, the last effort we make when all else has failed or fallen short.” and the one that struck me as most poignant: “Legality is a matter of power, not a matter of justice.” I didn’t find any new information for myself in this volume, but anyone who takes the time to read it will certainly feel the passion of Marshall’s message. It could be a go-to for inspiration or motivation toward support of a Lakota (or other Native) cause. A strong voice.

[Kim Cabrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays on what it means to be Lakota in modern America. This is also a book that should be read by historians. It shows how the consequences of years and years of cultural destruction have wrought havoc on the Lakota. It is told from the perspective of a man who was raised by traditional Lakota grandparents and has firsthand knowledge of these things. His essays are disturbing, but the stories need to be told. The destruction of Lakota culture has come with a heavy price.

The people on the reservation live in poverty and have a higher rate of death from avoidable causes than the general population. The younger generations are being raised to know more about TV stars, music, and popular culture than their own rich cultural traditions. Sadly, this means those cultural traditions may be lost. Author Joseph Marshall III writes of these losses and also offers hope that Lakota culture can be saved and renewed. The last chapter sent shivers down my spine. Powerful stories.

I am sad to say that I missed an opportunity to hear the author speak at my local college a couple months ago. I wish I’d known about it sooner. He has a very passionate message that needs to be heard and heeded. Before it’s too late to save what’s left.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in North Dakota, and living near a reservation, gave me a mixed view. This book, written from an insider point of view, was enlightening in many ways. I must admit that the very beginning gave me pause, simply because although "white" my ancestors struggled and had issues in their old country, and were also punished for speaking their language and keeping some of their culture once they got here. Granted there are many differences, and I am not trying to compare or judge which had a harder time, but I am just saying I wasn't interested in reading about history that would make me feel guilty for history that I cannot change. However, that being said, I stuck with the book, and once I got into the heart of the book I couldn't put it down. Filled with essays instead of chapters, it was eye-opening to read about the issues the Lakota and Dakota people have and are still struggling with, and made me rethink and consider that their voices need and have every right to be heard. Highly recommend this book and author. Well worth the read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this title through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Hope is the refusal to give in, the refusal to yield."

In this collection of essays, Lakota author Joseph M. Marshall III writes about the past, present, and future of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people. Equal parts mournful, nostalgic, and optimistic, "Crazy Horse Weeps" documents and reflects the thoughts of Marshall and many other Native voices regarding tribal and reservation issues, to include: poverty, addiction, the affects of colonization, health issues, and lack of tribal knowledge being passed down to the younger generations. These essays encourage dialogue regarding these issues, which leads to discussion of how to go forward by knowing the past, how to take charge in order to fight back against white colonization and assimilation, and how to prepare the next generation.

[KatsCauldron R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of excellent essays by John Marshall 3rd My original review was almost a thesis book instead of a review so I guess it was good notes ate it. I highly highly recommend him first to any & all Peoples of the Plains then to all Indegenous readers as a voice to think on then to anyone that wants some insight into Plains belief systems. There are 4 elements that help make up cultures & should be handed down & talked about: tradition, religion/spiritual beliefs, language & crafts & he stresses the importance of such particularly language. I literally wanted to go out & get everything he has written after reading this.

[Randal White · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of essays on the history of the Lakota tribe of Native Americans. Sad, tragic, frustrating. A history of how the Lakota has been mistreated. And of how they are struggling to maintain their culture. It's awful that "Americans" involve themselves in so many people's struggles, all across the globe, yet we turn away from the situation facing people in "our" own country.

[S Mahaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Information on historical and current facts about the Lakota. A good read to gain information that is missing from traditional education. It also has applicable information related to anyone who has lost connection with their roots.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for everyone, especially those interested in Lakota history and contemporary issues, such as the Keystone Pipeline and leadership failures for Natives and whites alike.

[SydnieRaeDaile · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Alexis Westphal · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Lakota woman, almost all of my relatives and elders have passed. Im learning about my culture through books and every other way possible. This was a great read to learn some history and stories that I have not been told.

[Jolynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 360 degree turn about from mainstream American history. I especially like the authors take on immigration, leadership, and hope.