Chapter 3 is based on an essay written by Jacqueline Fear-Segal who is a professor of American Studies. Her focus is an attempt to unveil the power struggle and strategy used to control and regulate the happenings of daily life at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School.
Carlisle had a periodical published that was called the Indian Helper. The author explains that the purpose of the paper and its "sugar-coated" stories was to win the hearts and minds of the public for the purpose of ensuring continued government funding. However, the main audience for the publication was the students. The Indian Helper featured stories about activities, events, and the progresses of the Indian students at the school. Mysteriously, the paper was edited by the “Man on the Bandstand." There was a white bandstand in the center of campus and this was where Richard H. Pratt and others would "watch over" the campus and regulate daily happenings. The identity of the “Man on the Bandstand" was never revealed. HE remained an ominous and looming presence amongst the student population. In the recounts of school happenings, the “Man on the Bandstand” would interject many critique and opinion on how the students could improve.
I can only imagine how it must have been for a student to read such a paper. I would think that it might be something to look forward to. They would most likely be somewhat excited to see pictures of themselves and their friends. Reading intently with a smile on your face…and then…JAB! Woven through the article you would find sneakily “hidden” criticisms. “You can be better.” “…and don’t forget to…” And there goes your smile.
The Indian Helper was an unfortunate and clever example of an underhanded attempt to control the student population. Psychological warfare. One of many strategies used to subdue the Children of Carlisle Indian School.
***Click on the title of the post and you will be transported to a web page detailing the history of Carlisle Indian School written by Barbara Landis. At the bottom of the page is a tab titled, "Virtual Tour." Click on this and scroll down for an excerpt of the Indian Helper.
How very tricky and sad, all at the same time. Poor children, I cannot understand how someone could be so cruel.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to agree with Yvonne. Wow I can't imagine how those children felt. I know if I was the child I'd probably be scared of the "Man on the Bandstand."
ReplyDeleteThe fact that it's still a mystery today of who the "Man on the Bandstand" really was is quite interesting. As cruel as Richard Pratt was and how tricky and untrusted he was known to be, I wouldn't be surprised if it was him hiding behind the articles just as he did behind those letters he sent to his "dear friend" Chief White Thunder informing him of his only son's death and how the funeral service was planned.
ReplyDeleteIt almost makes me wonder what our faces would look like and how we would feel had we have to experience and read "hidden" and "sugar coated" messages in our own United Tribes News. Can you imagine?
I agree as well! But what really gets me is how all schools try to "sugar coat" the activities going on at these boarding schools so the public will be more willing to support them. And I think Ro is onto something, it could have been Pratt who was the "Man on the Bandstand." Another thing I was wondering is, would if we are looking at this whole thing in a negative way. What I mean by this is, would if there were students who looked up to the man on the bandstand and were excited to read the articles? Would if they didn't regard it as bad and actually used the advice that was being given.
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