"The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people." (Unknown). Attempt to truly connect with people who are part of a culture completely different from your own is a very difficult thing to do, regardless of whether they are of a different religion, ethnicity or race, connecting with people who are not just like you can be surprisingly challenging. However, if you are able to achieve this feat, it can be an immensely rewarding experience. Kent Nerburn's Neither Wolf Nor Dog, Kent ultimately manages to bridge the cultural gap between Native American and white culture. This was certainly not an easy task, but Kent is able to achieve this by listening to this. what Elder Dan has to say, seeing things from the Native American perspective and participating in Native American traditions and culture Say no to plagiarism -made an essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay. Kent began to bridge the cultural gap by talking to Elder Dan and coming to truly understand what he had to say about Native American culture. Elder Dan wants Kent to help him write his thoughts and experiences into a book. In order for the book to be written, Dan must convince Kent to understand the reasoning behind his philosophies and ideas. Elder Dan often gives speeches and discusses many different topics with Kent, including past and present hardships faced by Native Americans and his hopes for the future. “I'm just trying to tell you what it was like for us.” (Nerburn, 42). Elder Dan informs Kent about a variety of topics, such as Native American history, ideals, and traditions, but most importantly about his hopes. “I pass on to you my vision, even if I cannot pass on my knowledge to you.” (317). By talking and listening to Elder Dan, Kent gets an opening into authentic Native American life, which helps him learn more about Native American culture by having him meet several Native Americans and telling him about Native American beliefs, along with Elder Dan Dan's personal opinions. Spending time with the elder Dan is the introduction to Kent learning what is essential to understanding the reality of Native American culture beyond his preconceptions. The next way Kent is able to understand and connect with Native American culture is by learning to see things from a Native American. prospect. At first, Kent doesn't even know how to start writing the book, as he believes that he will never be able to complete the book as Dan wants it written. Kent is able to overcome his uncertainty by suddenly coming to the realization that the problems he is currently facing are nothing compared to all the hardships that Native Americans have endured and overcome. Once Kent begins to see the world from the Native American perspective, he begins to see the need for the story to be told, “…nor could I ever again look to the lives and works of my Indian brothers and sisters as lessons objective for my education and edification.”(3). Kent is able to empathize with Indian culture once he has a better perspective on their opinions. “Your eyes are different, Nerburn. You're looking further away.” (64). Once Kent gains insight into the views of Native Americans, he is able to better see their perspective on life and the world, and therefore is able to better connect with their culture. The final way Kent bridges the cultural gap is by engaging with Native Americans. traditions and culture. Many of the Native Americans Kent meets are skeptical" (41)..
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