Volume 6, Issue 1 Dr. Jeanne Mather, Editor October 2003

What Comes to Mind When you Hear Asian American? Chances are, you think of Many Oklahomans have know of his father’s death from Colonel Mackenzie appointed someone of Chinese, Japanese, heard of Quanah Parker and an infected wound, shortly after Parker chief over the Coman- Vietnamese, Filipino, or associate him with our state. the raid. With his mother, fa- che, a controversial move for maybe Korean descent. But But did you know that ther, and sister gone, Quanah many of the older . did you realize that there are claims him as a Texas Leg- left his band and joined the most Over the next twenty years other Asian Americans? The end? Just how much do you remote and warlike Comanche Quanah Parker learned the growth rate of Asian “Indian” know about this Indian Chief? band, the Kwahadis. The Kwa- White man’s ways, and was Americans, from 1990-2000, Quanah’s mother was Cyn- hadis lived in the Texas Panhan- even welcomed by his Parker was over 105%, the largest thia Ann Parker, a Texan. dle, and rode about holding buf- relatives. growth within the Asian She was abducted by a Co- falo-hide parasols as protection Acting as spokesman of the American community. While manche war party at the age from the sun, thus leading to Comanche Nation he met and Chinese Americans make up of nine. After being adopted them being called “Sun Shades claimed as friends, such influ- the largest percentage of Asian into the tribe, and learning the ential people as cattleman Americans, followed by Fili- language, she became assimi- and Presi- pino Americans, Indian Ameri- lated into the culture and dent . He cans make up the third largest thought of herself as Coman- negotiated grazing rights with group, well ahead of Korean che. As a teenager she be- Texas cattlemen enabling the Americans, Vietnamese came the wife of warrior Peta tribe to have income, and later Americans, or Japanese Ameri- Nocona. Around 1845 Cyn- became a reservation judge. cans. In , the Asian thia gave birth to Quanah near Through wise investments in Indian population is also grow- the . When the railroad and his profitable ing, registering an 87% in- Quanah was just a boy ,while on Their Backs.” The Kwahadis ranching, he became the crease between censuses. he, his father, and the other did not attend the Medicine wealthiest Indian in America Briefly let us look at the men were out hunting, the Lodge Treaty Council, refused at that time. His large home interesting history of Indian Texas Rangers attacked the to move to a reservation, and was referred to as the immigration. Great Britain’s camp. Many were killed, the continued to follow and hunt the “Comanche White House.” rule over India, 1858-1947, camp was burned, and his buffalo. In time, as the buffalo How ironic that he would lead many Indians to leave the mother and little sister had were disappearing, the white one day fight to save the reser- country. Sikh farmers and been captured. Cynthia was hunters would illegally go into vation that he had once re- other Asian Indians began returned to her Texas family, the Panhandle to hunt. In 1874, fused to live on. But it was to coming to the whom she had not seen in in retribution, an alliance of ap- no avail as the government essentially in the early 1900s. twenty –five years. When she proximately 700 warriors of eventually broke up the reser- Many believed they could earn tried to escape they held guard various tribes unsuccessfully vation. At his funeral in 1911, money by working on farms, over her. After the baby died attacked a white trading post. In he was dressed in full ceremo- in lumber mills, or helping she starved herself to death. 1875 Parker together with what nial regalia and buried with a with the building of the rail- Quanah did not hear of her was left of his band surrendered large sum of money. The pro- way system. In 1917 laws pro- death for years. But he did at . Shortly there after cession stretched for 2 miles! hibited Asian Indians from en- tering the United States. In Table of Contents 1946 the law was passed al- lowing 100 Asian Indians to What Comes to Mind When You Hear Asian American? ; Quanah Parker 1 immigrate each year, and even What is Rangoli? 2 allowed them the right to be- come U.S. citizens if they so Tips for Effectively Teaching The Hearing Impaired; The Literature Connection 3 (Continued on page 3) Pancho Villa—Hero, Villain, or German Spy? 4

USAO’s Classroom Spice What is Rangoli ? It is an intricate colorful design made from sandstone powder or grain-flour. Native to India, it is usually created by women or girls using bare fingers or a brush. Located in the garden near the entrance to a house it serves to welcome guests and is especially important during Diwali.

While the designs are often geometrically based, they may feature plants, animals, deities, chariots, or even temples. Typically the Rangoli is made in a circular fashion, starting with a seed pattern upon which it then builds. See the sample Rangoli design above.

Create your own symmetrical design.

1. Use sand mixed with paint or food coloring; chalk, or colored rice powder. Draw your design, then layer colored sand or rice powder on top of it. 2. Compare this art form to the sand paintings of the . Compare Rangoli designs with those in Islamic Art. Can you find similiarities in any other cultures? 3. Check out http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/rangoli/making.htm to see how to use a seed pattern and then build around it. Similarly, check out www.camat.com/kalranga/rangoli/crangoli.htm to see colorful rangoli designs. 4. Identify all symmetry, point or line. Which if any lines are congruent? Parallel? Are there any instances of reflections? Rotations? 5. What is sandstone? Where is it found? What is it used for? 6. Find India on a map. What borders it? Looking at its location why do you think India is of particular importance in terms of global politics?

2 USAO’s Classroom Spice (Asian Indian Americans—cont’d from page 1) desired. In 1965 a new law opened the The Literature Connection quota to allow thousands of Asian Indi- ans to enter the U.S. In the year 2000, This month’s emphasis will be on re- mapping, critical thinking, written language, more that 39,000 Asian Indians came to source books. As we move into Native arts and crafts, and games. the United States. In the early years American Month, there are several re- Designed for older children, Native most Asian Indian immigrants settled source books which might be of interest to Americans: A Thematic Unit on Converging in the states of Washington, California, teachers. The first, Native Americans: Lit- Cultures, written by Wendy Wilson and Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York. erature-Based Activities for Thematic Lloyd Thompson, is published by J. Weston Today the majority of Indian Ameri- Teaching, Grades 4-6, provides a bibliog- Walch (1997), ISBN 0-8251-3332-7. This cans live in California, New York, New raphy of nonfiction and fiction books cen- reproducible book is designed to examine Jersey, Texas, and Illinois. Most Asian tering about the Native American theme. the culture of Native American groups at the Indians who come to the United States Besides, offering suggestions for the nov- point of their contact with the European cul- today, are not farmers, but rather Eng- ice in how to go about teaching themati- ture, but not to place blame. It can easily be lish speaking professionals or students. cally, it provides extensive cross curricu- used to teach Native American culture and In October/November, Indian lum ideas ranging from styles history, as well as geography and Americans traditionally celebrate Di- of government , communica- history of the U.S. Each of the wali, India’s New Year. It is a five-day tion, arts and crafts, trade and ten thought provoking units has a celebration , often referred to as the math, illnesses, treaties, to food teacher’s guide, background infor- Festival of Lights. It is a Hindu festi- and life styles. With hands-on mation , a reproducible student val celebrating victory over evil. Light activities and blackline masters, information sheet, plus a series of is the keystone of the celebration with this is a great resource for 4th-6th grade reproducible activity sheets. It includes both people everywhere in India (regardless teachers. This book is written by Andrea well-known Native tribes and lesser known of their religion), lighting tiny lamps, Beard and published by Creative Teaching tribes, and not only British, French, and such as diva lamps, lights, or candles. Press (1992). Spanish contact but Russian as well. It Diwali generates feelings of universal The second book, A Unit About Wood- could be used in junior or senior high brotherhood and inter-religious har- land Indians (1995), authored by Elaine grades. Excellent resource. mony not only in India but among Indi- Cleary and published by Evan Moor, is There is another resource which you ans around the world. Each day has a designed for Grades 3rd-6th (ISBN 1- might find somewhere in your school. In different emphasis: good deeds re- 55799-389-0). It includes wonderful dou- 1978 the Oklahoma State Department of warded by wealth, strength, knowledge, ble sided, full-sized colored posters of fa- Education published Mini Myths and Leg- riddance of anger and jealousy, and mous Native Americans and woodland cul- ends of Oklahoma Indians. This wonderful seeing the good in others. Hmm, what tures. In addition it includes activities in- read aloud book was the first in a series of other celebrations around the world volving history and culture, geography and (Continued on page 4) focus on worship, food, new clothes, exchanging gifts, and visiting friends? Help your students see similarities Tips for Effectively Teaching across cultures, not just differences. Hearing Impaired Students Many Indians are Sikhs. Sikhs have often been discriminated against be- Whether you currently have, or have yet dent, not the interpreter. Don’t say “Tell cause of their dress. As part of their to have a hearing impaired student with an him/her…” religious beliefs, they cover their hair interpreter in your classroom, the following 5. For interactive situations , a semi-circle with a turban, thus making them easy tips may be of help in making you a more or circle works best. This allows the stu- targets. Following September 11, 2001 effective teacher in such a situation. dent to see everyone who may be speak- many Indian Americans were the tar- 1. Language development and vocabu- ing. In a regular class setting, make sure gets of hate crimes. Perhaps as more lary must be given special attention. all students wait to be recognized before Americans understand Indian Ameri- Make sure that all new and assumed speaking and in some way indicate who cans and prerequisite vocabulary is identified to is speaking. their contri- the student. 6. If you teach block classes, or go from butions to 2. Remember the interpreter is not in- one activity to another, be sure and plan our nation, tended to serve as an aide or partici- a 5-10 minute break for the interpreter. future inci- pant in an activity. They are busy Interpreting requires incessant multitask- dences of communicating! ing, and a break every hour or so means hate will be 3. Make sure no “one”, or no “thing,” a more effective interpreter. prevented. interferes with the line of sight be- 7. Have a good student with legible writing tween the student and the interpreter. take notes, and provide copies to the 4. Look at, and speak directly to the stu- (Continued on page 4)

3 USAO Multicultural Resource Center 1727 W. Alabama Chickasha, OK 73018

Phone (405) 574-1291

[email protected] www.usao.edu/Classroom-Spice/

In This Issue... Asian Indian Americans; Quanah Parker, Rangoli, Hearing Impaired Students, Lit. Connection (Lit. Connection—Cont’d from page 3) (Hearing—Cont’d from page 3) 13. Check the credentials of Pancho Villa— Hero, hearing impaired student. the interpreter. If they are books about Oklahoma’s In- Make sure notes of “all” not certified, you may have dian Tribes. It is illustrated by Villain, or German Spy? examples/material are to remind them that they Indian artists, and is represen- Pancho Villa, born Doroteo taken. Even though the are to interpret tative of several different Arnago, is described by some note taker may already “everything” they hear. tribes. See if you can find it in as Robin Hood, a bandit , and/ know it—the hearing im- Not just what they think is your school library, or maybe or a killer. He was definitely a tucked away but forgotten in ruthless, revolutionary leader. paired student may not. important, or what the What about German Spy? 8. Especially in high school teacher says. What the someone’s closet or the school There is strong circumstantial provide the interpreter with other students, or the inter- storage area. If all else fails evidence, including his known a copy of the text. They com, say are equally im- try the city library. It would be dealings with German double may want to preview up- portant. a shame to miss out on this agent Sommerfeld, to indicate classic. Track it down today. that Germany financed and at coming material each day. 14. Be sure and have extra times armed Villa. In addition 9. Provide extended time for batteries available if hear- While not Native American, some of Villa’s military actions testing. ing aids are in use. Asian Indian Americans by definitely helped the German 10. Make sure you get cap- 15. Take the opportunity for Carolyn Yoder (2003) pub- cause. Despite his hatred of tioned videos whenever you and the class to learn lished by Heinemann, is a good the U.S., it appears he was informational source for upper probably opportunistic, playing possible, otherwise the stu- some sign language. both ends against the middle. dent is only able to watch 16. Enjoy the opportunity! elementary students wanting to the interpreter and misses know more about Asian Indian (Personal note: I once asked Americans. Part of the We Are my Mexican grandmother the video. about him. She said both the 11. Make sure there is suffi- America series, designed to military and the revolutionaries cient and appropriate light- help students learn about immi- robbed and murdered. She ing. Watch out for glares. gration, this book introduces remembers, as a child, all the 12. When calling on students the reader to Manoj Shenoy children, women, and chickens who immigrated at the age of having to flee from both sides, for questions or answers, at one time or another.) be sure and include your ten. A very interesting book. deaf student. 4