"Our claims to sovereignty entail much more than arguments for
tax-exempt status or the right to build and operate casinos; they are nothing less than
our attempt to survive and flourish as a people. Sovereignty is the guiding story in our
pursuit of self-determination, the general strategy by which we aim to best recover our
losses from the ravages of colonization: our lands, our languages, our cultures, our self-
respect."
What does this idea of "sovereignty" add to rhetoric for Natives and why is this important?
What does this idea of "sovereignty" add to rhetoric for Natives and why is this important?
Hey Emily! I think that the idea of rhetorical sovereignty introduces a concrete name for the act of allowing a marginalized people (Native or otherwise) to determine their own needs and to have their culture respected. This is important for all marginalized peoples because it allows for them to have a voice that is heard and validated. Unfortunately, the idea of sovereignty relies on forces outside the rhetor; it relies on the "dominant" or majority groups to regard the marginalized groups as sovereign. For example, Lyons says "In fact, the location [in terms of who holds it] of power has depended upon the crucial act of recognition—and vice versa." Unfortunately, people in power rarely engage in ideologies or acts that will lessen their own power, regardless of how awful the circumstances are for marginalized groups. Hope this helps!
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