The Crouser Family
There is a misconception of American Indians in the United States that is perpetuated by movies, books and a general lack of information. The Crouser family shares their experiences as Lakota Indians and discusses their identity in relation to religion, racism and the attainability of the American Dream in the U.S."We weren't the savage people we're made out to be in the movies and history books. We've always been a very welcoming people." When asked what she wished others knew about being Lakota Indian, that was Gaylene Crouser's answer. The Crouser family discusses what like if actually like as a Lakota Indian.
"Even though everyone says they're not racist any more, that's probably one of the biggest things they pay attention to." When we asked Patti about her thoughts on racism in America today, that was her response. She went on to talk about her experiences growing up on an Indian reservation in South Dakota and how issues of religious intolerance have impacted her life and the lives of her family.
As the Crouser family sat around the dinner table talking, Bobby shared his thoughts on immigration. "They just throw this imaginary line on the ground and say 'You're not supposed to be here," he said.
As the Crouser family discussed the American Dream, they expressed dissatisfaction with two of the major themes commonly found in the American Dream: America as a melting pot and materials. They prefer an emphasis on spending quality time with family and friends.