I thought the piece was refreshingly honest and blunt, only portraying facts and events to the reader. Often throughout my history classes, teachers have occasionally mentioned how textbooks and media removes information that does not benefit their intent, but I have never searched for direct proof of this. However, it was astounding how history films such as “Lincoln” kept such important events out of the story line without even a mention. The purpose of movies such as these are to be first, historically accurate so the watcher can learn about said topic in a different form. Additionally, within the articles I have read, I can often spot instances where the writer unknowingly or possibly knowingly insert their own ideas into the writing, in turn slowly changing the article from nonfiction to persuasive. This was absent both in the writing and particularly, in the tone it was read. Overall, this add an effect of seriousness that the text needed to show the severity of the injustices done towards the Dakota people.
The phrase “everything is in the language we use” means that when conveying a thought, it is important to use grammar and words that suit it. This is shown in the article where at the start of the article, she included some rules of grammar. These rules were explained to show the effect of punctuation used throughout the article such as “.”. Often times, the purpose of such grammar is forgotten when reading, where a pause emphasizes a particularly powerful idea and is instead read without emotion, losing the effect. Here Long Solider is trying to show how such a minor but destructive event as the Sioux Uprising can be overlooked just as a “.” in a sentence.