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A long-standing difference in the worldview of Europeans, and those living in European settler societies, and the worldviews of Native Americans is that Native Americans traditionally viewed (and still view today) what most members of Western Industrialized societies would call the natural and supernatural worlds as one inseparable reality. In this essay you will write about this difference in worldview relying primarily on Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass. Other course material may be integrated into your response but you must rely primarily on the Kimmerer book. How does Kimmerer acknowledge this difference and what are some examples from the book of this difference in worldview? Please limit your use of direct quotes. Rephrase things in your own words instead of quoting directly from the book except for one or two short quotes to support your discussion.
Sample Answer
Title: The Interconnected Worldview: A Native American Perspective Explored in Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass
Introduction: The divergence in worldview between Native Americans and Europeans has been a long-standing point of fascination and exploration. Robin Wall Kimmerer’s insightful book, Braiding Sweetgrass, sheds light on this difference by acknowledging the Native American perspective of perceiving the natural and supernatural worlds as inseparable entities. Through her eloquent storytelling, Kimmerer provides numerous examples that illustrate this unique worldview and its implications for both individuals and societies.
Acknowledging the Difference: Kimmerer recognizes the fundamental distinction in worldview through her personal experiences as a member of the Potawatomi Nation and a trained botanist. She highlights the contrast between the Western industrialized society’s fragmented view of nature and the Native American perspective that embraces interconnectedness. By integrating scientific knowledge with traditional wisdom, she bridges the gap between these two worldviews and presents a compelling argument for a more holistic approach to understanding the natural world.
Examples from Braiding Sweetgrass:
The Honorable Harvest: Kimmerer introduces the concept of the Honorable Harvest, which reflects the Native American perspective of reciprocity and respect for all living beings. She narrates an encounter with an elder who teaches her the importance of giving thanks and asking permission before harvesting plants. This practice exemplifies the interconnected worldview, where humans are just one part of a larger web of life, and every action has consequences for the entire ecosystem.
The Gift Economy: In the chapter “The Gift of Strawberries,” Kimmerer explores the Native American concept of a gift economy, contrasting it with the prevalent market-based economy. She describes how her community engages in collective harvesting of strawberries as a way to nurture relationships, share abundance, and ensure the well-being of future generations. In this worldview, reciprocity and generosity are valued over individual accumulation, emphasizing the interconnectedness between humans and nature.
Plant Personhood: Kimmerer delves into the notion of plant personhood, which challenges Western notions of plants as passive objects. By sharing stories of her interactions with plants, she portrays them as sentient beings with their own agency and wisdom. This perspective recognizes plants as active participants in ecosystems, contributing to the well-being of both humans and other species. It underscores the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, blurring the boundary between the natural and supernatural realms.
Land as Teacher: Throughout the book, Kimmerer emphasizes the importance of building a reciprocal relationship with the land. She recounts her experiences of learning from nature, such as observing patterns in plant growth or listening to the wisdom embedded in landscapes. By acknowledging that land can serve as a teacher, she challenges the dominant Western perspective that places humans as masters over nature. This shift in perspective deepens our connection to the natural world and fosters a sense of responsibility towards its preservation.
Conclusion: In Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer eloquently explores the difference in worldview between Native Americans and Europeans by highlighting their contrasting perceptions of the natural and supernatural worlds. Through her personal stories and reflections, she invites readers to embrace a more holistic understanding of our place in the interconnected web of life. By acknowledging this difference and integrating traditional wisdom with scientific knowledge, we can cultivate a more compassionate and sustainable relationship with nature.
