"The Invisible"

Gloria Anzaldúa La Conciencia de la mestiza the author of 'Towards a New Consciousness' conveys a message about Native Americans. She attempts to show that Native Americans are apart of the United States society. She gave me the impression that the white people want Native Americans to conform to a way of life that is contrary to their beliefs. By hiding the Indians on reservations white man can pretend that they didn't steal the land we now call America. By hiding the Native Americans the truth can become lost and society can be led to believe lies. However, Native Americans are here, they exist, and they hold tight to their traditions.

The government has done this with many parts of our society. They do everything they can to show the world only what they want us to see. My favorite example is the prison system. Much like Native Americans, United State's prisoners are locked away on their own kind of reservations. Their voices silenced, their faces hidden and we are force fed lies about what is happening there. Much like Native Americans, prisoners are invisible to the public eye, and are easily over looked. They too are apart of society. The only difference is that Native Americans have a choice to stand up and speak out against the segregation.

The Constitution allows for citizens to voice their opinions and yet so few do. I will never understand why citizens allow the government to silence them. Why don't citizens stand up for their beliefs? I've spent hours thinking about this subject. Someone needs to hold a mirror up to the official's faces. I decided along time ago that I would be that type of person. I will be someone to speak out on the behalf of the silent population.

At this time, I am an advocate for welfare reform, prison reform, school reform and would like to find a way to get involved in religious reform. All these areas seem to be swept under the carpet by those in charge. Everyone wants to point fingers, yet no one wants to help make a real difference. My way of changing things is to get involved. I am in school trying to learn everything I can, and trying to get involved with our future leaders. I realized along time ago that being in the middle of the circle is the only way to be heard.

It is my belief; when you find yourself surrounded by followers, you know you are in a position to make progress. When you find yourself surrounded by followers you are capable of educating society a little at a time. The government is the leader of our country, yet they are the worst at discriminating against our society. Instead of educating they provide barricades that allow the stereotypes to continue. The power we give them is taken for grant and the benefits are minimum. The segregation, discrimination, prejudice, and mistreatment will continue as long as people fail to stand up for what they know is right. The longer society does this, the more they will be affected by these situations. The author speaks truth when she says, " Ignorance splits people, creates prejudices." This is the time for education, and education works best when people share what they have learned.