Crazy Horse Weeps

An investigation into the fading Lakota culture by a Lakota tribal member. The argument for maintaining the culture, language, and rituals is explained in detail. This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in hearing from the source about the Native-American situation. Much of the book is sad but there is hope to be found. Fascinating on all levels.

"Hope is the refusal to give in, the refusal to yield."

In this collection of essays, Lakota author Joseph M. Marshall III writes about the past, present, and future of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people. Equal parts mournful, nostalgic, and optimistic, "Crazy Horse Weeps" documents and reflects the thoughts of Marshall and many other Native voices regarding tribal and reservation issues, to include: poverty, addiction, the affects of colonization, health issues, and lack of tribal knowledge being passed down to the younger generations. These essays encourage dialogue regarding these issues, which leads to discussion of how to go forward by knowing the past, how to take charge in order to fight back against white colonization and assimilation, and how to prepare the next generation.

A fascinating book about the loss of the native American culture and it's effect on the native American people a must read

This book is a collection of essays on what it means to be Lakota in modern America. This is also a book that should be read by historians. It shows how the consequences of years and years of cultural destruction have wrought havoc on the Lakota. It is told from the perspective of a man who was raised by traditional Lakota grandparents and has firsthand knowledge of these things. His essays are disturbing, but the stories need to be told. The destruction of Lakota culture has come with a heavy price.

The people on the reservation live in poverty and have a higher rate of death from avoidable causes than the general population. The younger generations are being raised to know more about TV stars, music, and popular culture than their own rich cultural traditions. Sadly, this means those cultural traditions may be lost. Author Joseph Marshall III writes of these losses and also offers hope that Lakota culture can be saved and renewed. The last chapter sent shivers down my spine. Powerful stories.

I am sad to say that I missed an opportunity to hear the author speak at my local college a couple months ago. I wish I’d known about it sooner. He has a very passionate message that needs to be heard and heeded. Before it’s too late to save what’s left.