5] “To raise the question of ‘authenticity’ is to challenge not only the narrative but also the ‘truth’ behind Salish ways of knowing “(Carlson 59). Explain why this is so according to Carlson, and explain why it is important to recognize this point.

The question of authenticity has been a highly debated topic over many years . There has been countless literature surrounding the definition of authentic, what constitutes authentic and how authenticity is achieved. Moreover, there have been many controversies on the concept of authenticity itself. For example, the field of anthropology debates on the idea of authenticity. Carlson’s text “Orality and Literary: The ‘Black and White’ of Salish History” highlights debates surrounding the notion of indigenous histories and how people are often brought up through Western perspectives. Perhaps, there is a tendency for people to often not question their own history or narratives. Some scholars such as anthropologists suggest that it is important to examine narratives or histories within their context and a concept that summaries this point would be Cultural Relativism where culture to culture varies and it is vital to look at these narratives such as Salish within their context. With this in mind, one may grasp a better understanding of their culture and try to view it from their perspective.

From the beginning, Carlson argues that there are numerous “indigenous stories circulating among the Salish people of south coastal and plateau British Columbia challenge us to reconsider both the history of Native- newcomer relations and our understanding” ( Carlson 42). This aspect is interesting because people often do not challenge the ‘authenticity’ of a narrative, specially some indigenous histories. In one hand, one may argue that many people are raised with the influence of Western chronologies and ideologies and may not think critically besides the narrative… what about the truth behind these stories? Why is it important? Carlson recognizes this point as being extremely significant because Salish people were not treated equally because of their history and narratives. One may suggest that Carlson wants people to understand that it is not only about the narrative but also the culture’s understanding of the story attached with their history. Hence, perhaps people should examine and reconsider indigenous stories.

Work Cited

Carlson, Keith Thor. “Orality and Literacy: The ‘Black and White’ of Salish History.” Orality & Literacy: Reflectins Across Disciplines. 43-72. Print.

Fillitz, Thomas, and A. Jamie Saris. Debating Authenticity: Concepts of Modernity in Anthropological Perspective. New York: Berghahn Books, 2013. Web.

Tilley, John J. “Cultural Relativism.” Human Rights Quarterly 22.2 (2000): 501-47. Web.