“Clearly, you can see it is a cycle of killing. The arrows are death at their own hands as they bowed and surrendered more and more to the white man.” Jenny looks at her Grandfather.
“Honey, it wasn’t that simple. Half the tribes used us to get rid of their rivals. We took land they weren’t using and set up farms and cities.” Grandpa points at the ring with his cane “This is a bone colored ring with a couple of arrows and blood. Hell, you could make something better with some paste and paper.”
“Grandpa! He is a world renowned artist. They brought this here to commemorate the opening of Indian Hills at Columbus Circle. It’s a real piece of art.” Jenny looks at Grandpa like she has seen a holy relic
“It’s a piece of work, all right! But you’re shopping at a place named for the guy who ended the Indians way of life.” Grandpa looks around at the glass enclosures and brightly colored banners. “Yep! Those Indians sure would like all this spread out here.”
178 words
Written as part of a challenge called Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, details are available at
It’s a complicated issue that’s for sure, and one America seems to struggle to deal with to this day.
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We’re constantly trying to judge our history. Which since we don’t understand the thinking at the time and the balance of people with different orgin has greatly expanded, we are caught up in a quagmire of non existent guilt. My Irish descendents were treated like throw aways in New England but there are no statues to indentured servants. Rioting does not free them, it burdens today and the future of those here. Time is a cruel thing to ignorant people. They die in long ended wars hoping to change what has happened. Just my humble opinion. 🙂
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Interesting story – which encouraged me to think.
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The interplay of generations is a fascination for me. The dynamic leads to how old you are and the people who were older when i was a kid
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I would almost expect counter protests
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I really like the direction you went with this one. Well done.
I think you’re missing a little bit of text at the bottom. I’d like to get in on the next challenge.
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Thanks for the kind words. I’ll have to check what i left out. These are fun challenges PJ finds great images to with with
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This story says a lot through its accurate characterisation – I’m sure I’ve seen these two bickering at an art gallery.
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The knowledge of youth balanced versus the actual experience creates interesting conversations. They are more alike then different. Thanks for the kind words
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No problem, keep writing 🙂
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That’s a very controversial subject. We were taught that Columbus discovered America. But the Native Americans were already here. They discovered America. And Columbus helped end the life as they knew it. Great story Mark!
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Very controversial indeed. I stayed to intergenerational subjects
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Yes. I know we don’t celebrate Columbus Day anymore like we did when I was a child.
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In Ohio, there would be parades in on Columbus day. There’s nothing here in AZ
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That’s because of all the native Americans in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
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