ABSTRACT |
First
published in 1932, Black Elk Speaks is a landmark of Native
American testimonial literature in the USA. This paper will discuss the
possibility of interpreting Black Elk Speaks from the perspective
of the critico-theoretical frameworks known as liberation theology and
philosophy represented by the theories of Roy I. Wilson —the only
contemporary Native American theologian who has theorized a Native
American liberation theology in the USA— and Enrique Dussel —the
founding father of a philosophy of liberation for the oppressed nations
and peoples of the world. It is particularly appropriate to read and
approach Black Elk Speaks from the point of view of liberation
theology and philosophy due to the fact that the Battle of the Hundred
Slain episode presents many different theological and philosophical
questions connected with certain socio-cultural and political situations
of an oppressive, exploitative and enslaving nature from which
liberation is sought, thus theorizing a liberating postcolonial project.
The interpretation of Black Elk Speaks from the lense of
liberation theology and philosophy will not only enhance its meaning and
interpretative possibilities as a literary work but will also show that
it actually articulates a Native American liberation theology and
philosophy, thus also becoming a pioneering theoretical work in the
field of Native American theological and philosophical studies.
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