Project 8: Social Commentary

Heritage

Model: Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Date: 12/06/2011

Shutter speed: 1/25 sec

F-stop: f/2.7

ISO:

Focal length: 6.0 mm

Tripod: No

Levels

Social commentary

            I grew up on the Flathead Indian reservation, and half my family is Native American. My great grandfather was involved in the native culture all his life. He was born in the valley and lived there for 96 years. In that time he watched many changes. I have always found the Native culture to be part of my own culture and so I wanted to shoot a picture that would represent the dying of culture.

             I wasn’t really sure how I was going to do this and I tried many ways but nothing seemed to work. I just didn’t feel like the pictures I had taken captured the essences of what I was going for. So after many failed attempts I decided to switch topics. So for two weeks I took my camera everywhere in hopes that I would find something. I shot some pictures but I just didn’t feel like they had enough of an impact to fit the category.  I started to panic and had no idea what I was going to do. I had a couple of my friends help me stage a scene that showed the impacts and negates of people not using the recycling, but they look too staged.

            On Tuesday, December 6^th, I had the opportunity to go to Lewis and Clark Middle School to help with a chemistry demonstration. I took my camera in order to take some pictures of the kids to put on the chemistry club’s Facebook page.  As we walked down the hallway to go meet the kids my roommate pointed to a locker with a sign and said “Hey that would be good for you commentary picture.” I agreed and quickly took some pictures. Later when I was looking at them it made me happy that I had accomplished my original goal of capturing the dying Native culture. 

            I am a strong believer in preserving the culture and heritage of our ancestors. I love being a part of the culture in my valley. I feel like you hear a lot of negative things denoted toward Indian people, by stereotyping them. I feel that American Indians are no different from everyone else; they just have a different culture. The culture and history of American Indians is important to protect and by taking this picture I am taking a stand by encouraging the unique and rich heritage and culture of the American Indians and acknowledging that the current generation needs to take a stand and protect this sacred way of life.