#4 Who's That Looking At Me In the Mirror

Change is inevitable.  The culture of society and its time has an immense affect on the outcome of history itself.  George Catlin’s painting “Pigeon’s Egg Head” (1837-1839) is an excellent example of change in America.  The time of this painting (1837-1839) was a time of growth in all aspects as America expanded towards the west, forcing the native's to either adapt or move themselves.  Catlin portrays Native Americans as respectable and strong-minded individuals prior to the settlement of the white man.

The first glance at “Pigeon’s Egg Head”, there is a distinctive invisible line down the middle of the painting, dividing the two men in the painting.  The left side of the painting has been dedicated to Catlin’s view of the Native American man before the white man’s influences have come over him.  When analyzing the Native American in the painting, one sees a very strong and powerful man standing tall and dignified, while wearing an admired tribal dress.  Catlin views the Native Americans in great respect; the stance that the Native is in, his facial expression and his outfit all aid to put this view into perspective.  Prior to the influences of the white settlements the Native Americans are very strong-minded and proud of the culture they come from.

"How's this: you teach us how to irrigate and plant corn, and we'll decimate your tribe and name a baseball team after you."

The other side of the painting seems to contradict the left side in all possible aspects.  Catlin represents the Native American in a way that is almost degrading.  The Native is standing unbalanced leaning on an umbrella, as opposed to standing upright and strong.  Also, he is carrying a bottle of booze in his back pocket and smoking a cigarette, while wearing a white man’s outfit with white gloves.  The ‘new’ Native seems to have no remorse or any attempts to hide how he comes off.  He appears to boast the cigarette he holds.  The right side of the painting gives the viewer a sense that a loss of respect for oneself and culture has taken place.  The influence of the white settlement has only influenced the Native’s in a negative way.  In no shape is there a positive attribute from the white men depicted in this painting. 

"Pigeon's Egg Head"

In Catlin’s “Pigeon’s Egg Head”, he expresses his opion about the Native Americans and their culture prior to and after the influence of the white man.  When viewing the painting, Catlin appears to admire the Native Americans by portraying them in a very respectable way.  Still, the influence of the white settlements over the Native’s one can see Catlin’s views change a great deal.  The Native Americans are seen much more negatively; the Native is shown as what we call today a ‘good old fashion drunk.’  Throughout all of this one thing does remain the same, the Native’s hair.  Perhaps throughout all change in life, there is always something that still remains as is.

Comments

[Kim]

Woooooo to Kyle for doin her hw EARLY! Haha..u know i luv ya!

[Tri Tran]

Kyle..my Dear :)

Your post covers all the general aspects of analyzing Caitlin's portrait of "Pigeon's Egg Head." Your post is clear and accurate in describing the Native American's evolution to becoming a white man. I notice that you do not have any quotes from the textbook in your writing. I believe this post would be more credible of you stated historical facts about the Native Americans during this time period. Such facts could inform the reader more about the influences white men had over Native Americans. Why were Native American's cultures falling susceptible to whites? What actions did whites take upon the Natives when conflict arised? By adressing these ideas and answering them with definitive quotes, you allow the reader to understand Caitlin's portrait and the history of Native American's on a deeper level. I would also like to say your thesis is only fighting half of its battle. Your thesis is slightly weak and doesn't do a successful job of catching the reader's attention. A strong thesis is stated in a way that leaves the reader intrigued and anticipating what information will lay ahead. Reading your thesis. For your next post, formulate a structured thesis with main points. This will organize your body paragraphs and keep you from trailing off with needless information. Your post consist most of the required elements Dr. Petrik is looking for, but if you take these tips I have given into consideration, I am sure that Dr. Petrik would be highly impressed and seperate your work from those of mediocrity.

-tri trunk

[Colleen]

Your post was really interesting to read. Most of it was really clear and easy to understand. However, your thesis is kind of weak. It does not really grab the readers attention, and it is very broad. Also, your conclusion paragraph provides too much detail that should be said in the body paragraphs. Usually conclusion paragraphs just restate your thesis. Overall I really think you did a good job explaining the painting and how George Carlin feels about Native Americans. You chose great pictures and a creative title, which really spiced up your post. Just watch your grammar and spelling, and you will do great!

[alejandro medrano]

I thought your thesis was very clear. It was simple but it got to the point. Your introduction is good. The last sentence was a strong way to end ur paper. It seems that you unerstand the message from this painting. The only thing that you probaly forgot is that a reader would like to see something to support your argument. You do not have any quotes or any facts from a book or website to support your paper. Not many mistakes (spelled opinion "opion") I could be wrong on this but I thought that you repeated yourself just a little too much. It was good how you mentioned that the hair stayed long, you could have also talked about how the white gloves and the umbrella were femenime and did not fit the characterisics of a tipical white American back in those days.

[Jon Wallace]

Kyle your opening paragraph was very strong it gave me good sense of the time frame and what was going on at that time in a short consice sentence. Your thesis statement was also very strong but I feel that you could have added just alittle bit more to it, perhaps stating how Catlins view might have changed after the influence of the whites on the Native Americans. Your body paragraphs are excellent but you seem to make your concluding paragraph into another body paragraph, by introducing new ideas. Your concluding paragraph should be a restatment of your thesis by justifying with the evidence that you used in your body paragraphs. All in all this was a good post and you have nothing to worry about, just keep these tips in mind for your next post.

[Ana Rosa Alvarez Flores]

Your post is very well constructed. Your ideas flow and mold beautifully. I also enjoyed the image you added to the post with a small quote. That really got my attention. This demonstrates that you took time to out your post together.
Although your ideas mold well together there are some simple errors that I believe could have been avioded if you would have proofread your post.
1. First sentence of your conclusion- "opion" is spelled incorrectly.
2. Line 3 in third paragraph- When stating you opinion do not say almost. It takes away your emphasis. If the adjective you use is strong enough then change it.
3. "booze" is not really a good word to use, maybe whiskey or liquor would have been a better word choice.
Good Job! Remember to proofread always.

[Ana Rosa Alvarez Flores]

Your post is very well constructed. Your ideas flow and mold beautifully. I also enjoyed the image you added to the post with a small quote. That really got my attention. This demonstrates that you took time to out your post together.
Although your ideas mold well together there are some simple errors that I believe could have been avioded if you would have proofread your post.
1. First sentence of your conclusion- "opion" is spelled incorrectly.
2. Line 3 in third paragraph- When stating you opinion do not say almost. It takes away your emphasis. If the adjective you use is strong enough then change it.
3. "booze" is not really a good word to use, maybe whiskey or liquor would have been a better word choice.
Good Job! Remember to proofread always!!!