Step-by-step explanation:
Richard Pratt was known for his involvement in the assimilation of Native American children through the establishment of Indian boarding schools in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While some people supported his efforts at the time, there have been political criticisms of his approach to assimilating Native children. Two prominent criticisms are as follows:
1. Cultural Genocide: One criticism of Pratt's approach is that it contributed to cultural genocide. By forcibly removing Native American children from their families and communities and placing them in boarding schools, Pratt aimed to assimilate them into Euro-American culture and erase their Native identity. Critics argue that this approach undermined Native cultural traditions, languages, and customs, leading to the loss of cultural heritage and intergenerational trauma within Native communities.
2. Lack of Consent and Respect for Tribal Sovereignty: Another criticism is that Pratt's assimilation efforts disregarded the rights and sovereignty of Native tribes. The removal of children from their families and communities was often done without the consent or involvement of tribal leaders and authorities. Critics argue that such actions violated the principles of self-determination and tribal sovereignty, denying Native communities the right to make decisions regarding the upbringing and education of their children.
It's important to recognize that these criticisms reflect contemporary perspectives and understanding of historical events. While Pratt and others involved in the assimilation efforts may have believed they were acting in the best interest of Native children, it is now widely recognized that these policies had significant negative consequences and violated the rights and dignity of Native communities.