Reading Journal: "Last Rites for Indian Dead" Suzan Shown Harjo

1)Susan S. Harjo is angry at the fact that Indian American individuals who have dies on do not get the same respect as Americans who have passed on. She is tired of constantly seeing dead Indian Americans being claimed as archaeological property. Harjo not only feels it is an insult to the deceased Indian Americans, she also stressed how disrespectful it is ti the families of the deceased. Harjo can relate tot his because she reveals to the readers that "Some of my Cheyenne relatives skulls are in the Smithsonian Institution today[...]" (158). Harjo does acknowledge the fact that the reason parts of Indian Americans are being taken is to study more about them,and share the information discovered to the world.However, she feels that it is being done way to often. Harjo also feels they need consent from the deceased Indian American families before they use any of their remains for research.

2) Harjo is writing her essay in a Aristotelian argument format. First, she starts her essay off with a question. Secondly, she gives us brief history about the topic of her essay. Third, she makes a declarative statement about how Indian Americans o no have any laws that prevent them fro becoming archaeological property. However, Americans do have laws that protect them. Fourth, Harjo has facts and statics to back up what she is saying. Lastly, she reinforces her views in her conclusion paragraph.