The Modern Native American Story | Eric Hernandez | TEDxUCIrvine

Summary

The speaker, a member of the Lumbee Tribe, shares his struggle with cultural identity and the fear of judgment that initially prevented him from showcasing his traditional hoop dance at a school cultural festival. Overcoming his fears, he performs the dance, challenging stereotypes and educating his peers about modern Native Americans. His performance not only changes perceptions but also inspires others to share their heritage. The narrative culminates with his unexpected opportunity to join Cirque du Soleil as a lead hoop dancer, touring the world and embracing diverse cultures, until the pandemic ends his run. Despite losing his job, he remains committed to sharing his story and promoting cultural diversity.

Takeaways

• 🪶 The speaker struggled with stereotypes about Native Americans, making it difficult to embrace his identity.
• 🏫 At 14, he hesitated to perform his traditional hoop dance at his school’s cultural festival due to fear of judgment.
• 🌿 The hoop dance, taught by his Uncle Terry, is a traditional healing ceremony symbolizing the journey through life and the harmony of nature.
• 😟 The speaker initially chose not to participate in the festival, fearing his classmates wouldn't understand his heritage.
• 🌍 He realized the importance of educating others about Native Americans and that they are still present today, not just a part of the past.
• 🕺 The next day, he performed his hoop dance at the festival, breaking stereotypes and showing what a modern Native American looks like.
• 📸 His performance was featured in the school newspaper, inspiring more students to share their heritage in future festivals.
• 🎪 He later joined Cirque du Soleil as their lead hoop dancer, performing globally and embracing cultural diversity backstage.
• 🚨 His journey with Cirque du Soleil ended abruptly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he continued to share his story and inspire others.
• 🌟 The speaker encourages everyone to embrace their heritage, share their culture, and inspire others by celebrating diversity and unique experiences.

Q & A

What challenges did the speaker face when deciding whether to perform the hoop dance at the school cultural festival?

The speaker struggled with the fear of being judged or misunderstood by his classmates. He worried they would not see him as a 'real' Native American due to misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding Native Americans.

What is the significance of the hoop dance in Native American culture, according to the speaker?

The hoop dance is a traditional healing ceremony that emphasizes grace, agility, beauty, and harmony with the natural world. Each hoop passed through the body is believed to add time to one's life, and the dance tells a story of life and the interconnectedness of plants, animals, and humans.

Why did the speaker initially choose not to volunteer for the cultural festival?

The speaker feared that his classmates, influenced by stereotypes from history books and Hollywood, would not understand or appreciate his Native heritage and would expect him to conform to their preconceived notions of what a Native American should be.

What realization did the speaker come to the night before the cultural festival?

The speaker realized that he had an obligation to educate his classmates about Native Americans, not as relics of the past, but as a living culture that continues today. He recognized that this was an opportunity to break down stereotypes and misconceptions.

What impact did the speaker's performance at the cultural festival have on his classmates and school?

The performance inspired his classmates and led to a greater appreciation of cultural diversity. The following year, the cultural festival expanded to a three-day event due to an increase in students wanting to share their heritage, demonstrating the speaker's influence.

How did the speaker's hoop dance skills lead to an unexpected opportunity later in life?

The speaker was contacted by Cirque du Soleil, which invited him to be their lead hoop dancer in the show 'Totem.' This opportunity allowed him to perform over 2,500 shows in 19 countries and become part of a culturally diverse group of artists.

What challenge did the speaker face during his time with Cirque du Soleil, and how did he overcome it?

The speaker's journey with Cirque du Soleil ended abruptly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite losing his job, he refused to be defeated and continued to share his story and culture, ultimately leading him to speak on the TEDx stage.

What message does the speaker convey about embracing one's identity and heritage?

The speaker encourages people to embrace their identity, heritage, and passions, as doing so allows them to educate and inspire others. He emphasizes that sharing unique experiences and perspectives can contribute to a world where diversity is celebrated.

What does the speaker highlight about stereotypes and the portrayal of Native Americans in mainstream culture?

The speaker points out that stereotypes, particularly those perpetuated by history books and Hollywood, often present Native Americans as 'savages' living in teepees and wearing feathers. These stereotypes create a narrow and inaccurate image of Native Americans, which he sought to dispel through his performance.

How did the speaker's personal experiences growing up shape his view of Native American identity?

Growing up in San Dimas, California, and being the son of a full-blooded Lumbee mother who was the first Native American to compete in Miss America, the speaker struggled with the duality of his identity. His personal experiences with stereotypes and expectations influenced his desire to both educate others and embrace his heritage fully.