I know Great Spirit is looking down upon me from above, and will hear what I say.
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?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a deep sense of pride and love for one's heritage and people, questioning the morality of such affections.
Sitting Bull's quote conveys the profound connection he feels towards his identity, culture, and people. He poignantly challenges the notion that loving and defending one's own community, especially in the face of discrimination and prejudice, could be seen as wrong. The quote reflects a passionate affirmation of pride in one's roots and an unwavering commitment to one's people and homeland, emphasizing that love for one's own is a natural and noble sentiment.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a cultural gathering, to highlight the importance of loving one's heritage.
More from Sitting Bull
All quotes →I want to tell you that if the Great Spirit had chosen anyone to be the chief of this country, it is myself.
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?
Therefore, I do not wish to consider any proposition to cede any portion of our tribal holdings to the Great Father.
I wish it to be remembered that I was the last man of my tribe to surrender my rifle.
God made me an Indian, but not a reservation Indian.
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The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we serve.
I have a one-track mind. That's all that I'm interested in - love. And the lack of it. When it stops.