Question

Write a paragraph explaining how Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown, through its detailed portrayal of historical events, serves as a work of public advocacy by highlighting the injustices faced by Native American tribes during the late 19th century. Be sure to include text evidence to support your answer. Evidence may come from the excerpt provided above or from a selection of your choice from Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown. Use this graphic organizer to plan your response:

Answer 1

In "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," Dee Brown meticulously details the injustices faced by Native American tribes during the late 19th century, positioning the work as an essential piece of public advocacy. Through vivid narratives of pivotal events, such as the massacre at Wounded Knee, Brown exposes the brutal realities of U.S. government policies and military actions against indigenous peoples. For instance, he writes, “The native peoples who had welcomed the European newcomers were being systematically destroyed," illustrating not only the physical violence but also the loss of culture and identity that accompanied this destruction. By chronicling these accounts and giving a voice to Native American leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, Brown urges readers to confront the historical erasure of these communities and to recognize their suffering. This approach challenges the dominant narratives of American history, fostering greater awareness and empathy for the ongoing struggles Native Americans face, thus fulfilling the role of a public advocate for social justice.