American Studies ETDs

Publication Date

5-2002

Abstract

This work weaves three ideas. First, it initiates an investigation into ethnic and national identities among Cherokees in diaspora by offering a cursory analysis of over sixty interviews I recently conducted with Cherokees in California, Texas, and New Mexico. Second, it challenges two paradigms that permeate most histories of the Cherokees as they have been written: (1) the theme of racially-based intratribal conflict and (2) the theme of cultural loss resulting from assimilation. I challenge these paradigms by applying contemporary theory about racial, ethnic, and national identity construction. Third, the dissertation offers an alternate historical overview that is also based in the application of these contemporary theories. This overview open a space that is more explanatory of the emergent identities of contemporary Cherokees in diaspora.

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

American Studies

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

American Studies

First Committee Member (Chair)

Ruth Salvaggio

Second Committee Member

Les Field

Third Committee Member

Jane Young

Fourth Committee Member

Margaret Connell-Szasz

Fifth Committee Member

Lee Francis

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