I know Great Spirit is looking down upon me from above, and will hear what I say.
Sitting BullRead
What white woman, however lonely, was ever captive or insulted by me? Yet they say I am a bad Indian.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote challenges stereotypes and prejudices against Native Americans.
Sitting Bull's quote confronts the narrative that positions Indigenous people as oppressors while underscoring the injustice of labeling them as 'bad' despite their experiences of solitude and respect towards others. It highlights the disparity in how different groups perceive one another and reflects on the broader social dynamics of race and identity.
Themes
StereotypeIdentityNative AmericanOppressionRespect
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on race and identity, this quote can illustrate the complexity of societal perceptions.
More from Sitting Bull
All quotes βI want to tell you that if the Great Spirit had chosen anyone to be the chief of this country, it is myself.
Sitting BullRead
Is it wrong for me to love my own? Is it wicked for me because my skin is red? Because I am Sioux? Because I was born where my father lived? Because I would die for my people and my country?
Sitting BullRead
When I was a boy, the Sioux owned the world. The sun rose and set on their land; they sent ten thousand men to battle. Where are the warriors today? Who slew them? Where are our lands? Who owns them?
Sitting BullRead
Therefore, I do not wish to consider any proposition to cede any portion of our tribal holdings to the Great Father.
Sitting BullRead
I wish it to be remembered that I was the last man of my tribe to surrender my rifle.
Sitting BullRead
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