Posting 2...Michelle Robinson
MROB213 (MROB213@aol.com)
Mon, 8 Dec 1997 01:22:09 EST
Contrast the white doctor's explanation for Tayo's illness with the
traditional Indian interpretation.
The Army doctors told Auntie and Robert that the explanation for Tayo's
illness was battle fatique and the cause was a mystery. Indeed Tayo's illness
was directly related to his tramatic experience of the war, but I feel it went
much deeper than that.
The Indians strove to order their lives properly and there were certain
values and beliefs that were stressed within the Tiospeye (the family
group).These values- respect, generosity, bravery, and fortitude -were a way
of life. Only with a combination of these could one occupy the capibility to
maintain balance and harmony within himself.
The values and beliefs absent in Tayo's life were the very ones he needed
to achieve balance and wellness. He had been taught to respect the land, the
animal life, and his family, but instead of receiving respect in return, he
was accustomed to shame. Instead of commencing to bravery, he knew fear.
Where he ensued wisdom, he found uncertainty. Above all, Tayo was lacking
fortitude--the strength of mind that enabled him to bear his pain with
courage.
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