The Problem of Old Harjo by John M. Oskison Article

The Problem of Old Harjo by gutter M. Oskison - Article ExampleThe new generation of Native writers themselves was just as critical of missional efforts. In 1907 John M. Oskisons story The Problem of Old Harjo explored the dilemma of a well-intentioned Christian missioner who believes she can convert an elderly Native. The difficulty is that Old Harjo is happily married to twain wives, and forcing him to renounce all one would be cruel and useless. Though Harjo fervently seeks church membership, the missionary is sensible enough to surmise that demanding a separation would in the least advance morality amongst the tribe, exclusively Im certain that it would make trinity gentle mint unhappy for the rest of their lives. In this instance at least, when Indian custom and missionary certainty come into conflict, the missionary must back down. The problem of having to choose among two wives and two sets of values is non unique to the rising class of freed slaves. Native American s commonly had more than one married woman this presented a problem for Native Americans as they were converted to Christianity and expected to conform to the rules of American society. Although the government would not honor such a marriage, they were emotionally and economically binding for the spouses. In The Problem of Old Harjo, John Oskison, another Native American, addresses this issue. Harjo, like Old White Bull, has two wives. While this is the tale of conflict between Christianity and native traditions, it still offers tremendous insight into the emotional bond of marriage, even when more than two people are involved. Oskison builds credibility for the institution by first portraying the missionaries as superficially religious but not concerned with Harjos well-beingthey are representatives of a church of scandalized missionaries (Oskison 967). While the missionaries are black with one another and worry only about sin, ignorance, bigamy, and moral rehabilitation, Harjo is sincere in his acceptance of deliverer (ironically, the only truly crucial part of the missionaries teachings) and is sincere in his love and responsibility for both of his wives.