After watching the videos I was horrified yet, not surprised that many of these events have been hidden from majority of Americans, whether it be in the history books, what is taught in school or even getting the attention it deserves in the media. I was surprised by how recent many of these events did occur, the 1940's, 1960's was not that long ago.
For example as a nurse I was never taught about the history of the pap smear and the horrific experimental surgery that Dr. Sims did on Anarcha. It makes me angry that people were treated this way. And what happened to the Native American children was extremely upsetting. Especially as a mother the thought of someone taking your child from you is your worst nightmare. So for people to think they can do that to anyone with the thought that they are "Saving them" from their culture" is sickening. And I never understood why America treats immigrants the way they do in present day. I used to think America was built by immigrants - that all of our ancestors at some point were immigrants. But after watching the videos I would have to say that my views have been extremely skewed and it is more like America was built by sacrificing immigrant/Native American lives.
And unfortunately centuries later this racism continues and seems to always move onto another race with: "whiteness" being the standard that everyone is judged by. I feel a lot of shame and sadness that I, as a white female, was unaware of a lot of these events. But I need to experience these emotions and be uncomfortable so that I can better myself and make some changes to the way I act and think consciously and unconsciously.
