Module 8 Blog Post by Shen Dong
Decolonization is the practice of removing or dismantling
colonial elements in a culture, society, nation, or one’s own mind, especially
concerning the lives and experiences of Indigenous people. (Mines, 2024) I
would argue that decolonization encourages restoration of identity within a
native decedent. It encourages the original culture to flourish and the people to
see the other side of themselves.
As the impact and exertion of influence
into the decolonization discourse comes from the collective story, built by
many voices, in which every Indigenous person has a place. (Mines, 2024) We
should take the time to educate ourselves and acknowledge how our perspectives
impact our work, and actively work to decolonize our understanding of our place
within this project and academia. (Mines, 2024) I would argue that decolonization lets people to see
and experience the original culture in more vivid ways. And in summary, the telling
of Indigenous stories is a highly sacred process that belongs to the original
storytellers. As an editor of the blogs done by the Native Presence and
Performance First-Year Seminar and as a non-Indigenous person, this message
holds resounding truth and offers a personal challenge of taking extra steps as
to not spread Indigenous work as our own. When we share Indigenous stories and
information, it may only be done with permission, cultural immersion, and
respect. (Mines, 2024)
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