Why I Am a Pagan: Zitkala Xa Zitkala Xa, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a Native American author and activist who wrote extensively about her experiences as a Native woman in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In her essay "Why I Am a Pagan," she reflects on her connection to her Native heritage and her rejection of Christianity. Zitkala Xa grew up on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, where she was exposed to both Native American traditions and the influence of Christian missionaries. As a child, she attended a missionary school where she was forbidden from speaking her native language and was forced to adopt Western ways of life. However, she still maintained a strong connection to her Native identity, which she explored further as she grew older. In her essay, Zitkala Xa explains that she chooses to identify as a pagan because it allows her to embrace her Native heritage and the spiritual beliefs of her ancestors.
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In her essay, Zitkala Xa explains that she chooses to identify as a pagan because it allows her to embrace her Native heritage and the spiritual beliefs of her ancestors. She rejects Christianity because she sees it as a tool of colonization that was forced upon Native people in an attempt to strip them of their culture and identity. She writes, "They would make us feel shamed because we no longer served the God they had once taught us to love.
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..I could not help but laugh." Zitkala Xa's pagan beliefs are rooted in a deep reverence for the natural world. She sees nature as a source of spiritual power and finds solace in its beauty and abundance. She writes, "In me, all objects sought constantly to quench their thirst for sympathy...I knew only that they had spoken to me after their silence." For Zitkala Xa, being a pagan means rejecting the oppressive forces of colonization and embracing the traditions and spirituality of her ancestors. She refuses to let her Native identity be erased and instead seeks to reclaim and celebrate it. She writes, "I wanted no part in the white man's religion. I was an Indian...I would follow the footprints of my father." In "Why I Am a Pagan," Zitkala Xa eloquently expresses her reasons for rejecting Christianity and embracing her Native heritage. Her words are a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of Native cultures and the ongoing fight for self-determination and cultural preservation. Through her writing, Zitkala Xa continues to inspire and empower Native people to assert their identities and voices in the face of colonization..
Reviews for "Reclaiming Native Spirituality: Zitkala Xa's Journey into Paganism"
1. John - 2/5 stars - "Why I Am a Pagan" by Zitkala-Sa is a disappointing read. The author's writing style is quite dry and lacking in emotional depth. I found it difficult to connect with her perspective on spirituality and the reasons behind her choice to be a pagan. While it is interesting to get insights into different belief systems, I was left wanting more substance and personal anecdotes to truly understand her journey. Overall, the book felt more like an academic essay rather than a personal memoir.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "Why I Am a Pagan" was a complete letdown for me. I had high hopes for a thought-provoking exploration of spirituality, but what I got was a disjointed and poorly structured narrative. Zitkala-Sa's arguments for her choice to be a pagan felt weak and unconvincing. I was expecting a more profound examination of her beliefs, but the book fell short in providing any depth or substance. It read more like a rambling stream of consciousness rather than a coherent piece of writing.
3. Alex - 2/5 stars - I found "Why I Am a Pagan" to be a rather confusing and disjointed memoir. Zitkala-Sa jumps from one topic to another without proper transitions, making it difficult to follow her train of thought. Additionally, the lack of personal anecdotes and emotional connection made it hard for me to engage with her story. I was left with more questions than answers and felt there was a missed opportunity to truly delve into her spiritual journey. Overall, I was unimpressed and would not recommend this book to others.