This segment of the book written by Lisa Tuhiwai Smith criticizes previous and modern research methods and concepts as methodized “colonization” as it leaves out indigenous ways of interpretation. It must be noted that her views do not appear to be anti-research and might just be a way to inspire future indigenous researchers. The chapter we read capture the methodized and perceptual colonization of various methods: Cultural formations of western research, Intersections of race and gender, conceptualizations of the individual and society, conceptions of space, and conceptions of time. In the final passage of “conceptions of time” Smith states, “Research ‘through imperial eyes’ describes an approach which assumes that Western ideas about the most fundamental things are the only ideas possible to hold, certainly the only rational ideas, and the only ideas which can make sense of the world, of reality, of social life and of human beings. It is an approach to indigenous peoples which still conveys a sense of innate superiority and an overabundance of desire to bring progress into the lives of indigenous peoples – spiritually, intellectually, socially and economically” (Smith, pg 56). Smith declares that some indigenous contemporary researchers consider this to be racist; but in order to reach a conclusion about her statements we must more specifically consider in more detail the ways she finds research demeaning towards indigenous people.
Smith discusses how in the 18th and 19th century Christian ideologies imposed a ton of emphasis over research, “Although eighteenth- and nineteenth-century forms of colonization brought Christian beliefs about the soul and human morality to indigenous peoples, these concepts were discussed in Western traditions prior to Christianity. Christianity, when organized into a system of power, brought to bear on these basic concepts a focus of systematic study and debate which could then be used to regulate all aspects of social and spiritual life” (Smith, pg 48-49). There are some mentions of the “other” throughout Smith’s assessments, claiming that the other is shaped by a western gaze leaving out indigenous interpretations of the other. I think it’s important to try and motivate future indigenous contemporaries to believe that they do have a say in various research conceptualizations; and in order to do so we need to make sure the work we produce does not negatively influence future indigenous researchers. Our definition of “the other” must remain as an authentic individual that possess traits from all different types of people in our society; we mustn’t ignore or misrepresent minority and indigenous citizens from that perspective.
Smith’s interpretation of the cultural impacts imposed by research methodologies creates important insight for the considerations I have to make for my own independent research projects and tutorials. I do not believe its possible for an individual to conduct their research in a way that makes everyone happy; when we make statements there is bound to be certain ideologies that we may represent and various members of certain minorities that disagree. However, it is important to keep this in mind and to conduct our tutorials and projects as objectively as we can, in terms of the ideologies that are best represented in our society. Stereotypes are usually perceptualized by media; on various advertisements and TV shows we see minority groups being portrayed by various traits and characteristics that are oversimplified and simply fallacious. In fact, some of the most beloved characters and people are those who do not fit into these ordinary stereotypes; those who transcend their unique nature and find creative ways to exemplify their persona. When considering my screen writing tutorial; I want to create characters that stand out from a certain uniqueness of their character and description; rather than perceptualizing the gross amount of stereotypes we witness today.
It seems that there are currently not enough ingenious role models in our society; whether academically or in media. I was happy to read Smith’s perspective regarding the various ways in which western methodology and research forgets and isolates her people; it was something I had not considered prior the reading and presentation, we must finite the details of our projects by considering the various points brought out of Smith’s book. This chapter included very detailed descriptions of how western thinking left out various cultural interpretations of Aboriginal people; Linda brilliantly illustrated her point and showed various historical narratives and practices that further created the divide between our people. The perceptual colonization by western ideologies is an interesting observation; which needs to be considered and perhaps further studied to be viewed as a fundamental aspect of research studies.
