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November 06, 2005
Dear John Wayne...
Frankly, I was a little confused by this story. I think that it is commenting on the nature of spoken word and its abilities to create both lies and truth. Etta Joseph tells the story of her affair with John Wayne, which she maintains is more the truth than anything found in books or other scholarly materials. Whether Etta really is telling the truth or just mocking the reporter's authority is left for the reader to discover. Personally, I think Etta fabricated this story to poke fun at the truth and highlight the fact that we should never just accept the truth. It is an interesting concept because so often we accept what others tell us without actually discovering the truth ourselves. I'm interested in hearing what others thought of this piece.
Brenna D.
Posted by lciscotis at November 6, 2005 12:00 PM
Comments
Brenna--I just have no idea about this reading. It was so random to me. I agree with you, it may be just a fabrication. You point out an interesting point: "Etta fabricated this story to poke fun at the truth and highlight the fact that we should never just accept the truth". I never thought about this. Great entry! -- Christina
Posted by: Christina at November 6, 2005 02:04 PM
I agree! Although I don't remember reading that she said her affair with John Wayne is more the truth than anything in books. I would agree that this is infered if not directly said. I just blogged a bit about it too.
I think it's great that you blogged in a questioning fashion, Brenna but active questioning - putting forth your ideas and inviting more.
~ Nanette
Posted by: Nanette Savides at November 6, 2005 07:47 PM
Hi,
'Dear John Wayne' to me is about European Americans (whites) assuming they know everything about Native American culture. All they know, however, is what they've read in books or were told by other whites.
Native American culture and spirituality is very profound. It has been mocked and abused for many centuries. For a white man to come talk to Etta, assuming he knows all about her culture by having studied it, is an insult in itself.
Etta mocks his ignorance. He will never be able to really understand the culture.
I love this story.
Posted by: Linda at February 3, 2008 10:56 AM