1/24/18 - The Freedom of Real Apologies

When Layli Long Soldier expresses surprise at not having heard of "it" she is referring to the Congressional Resolution of Apology to Native Americans. The reason she was so surprised was because as a member of the Lakota Tribe, she would reasonably be among the first to potentially hear about it. However the apology was not made very public, Long Soldier describes it as quiet and not much of a risk. In terms of the phrasing that Long Soldier describes, she is pointing at how carefully the writers of the apology phrased their words, as if they were trying not to put blame on anyone. She specifically makes reference to how events in Native American history were phrased as conflicts or mention how lives were lost on both sides even though blame and guilt should fall squarely on the American government. The details of phrasing are important because they can give away a lot of the intent and meaning behind a statement, a story, or even a law or bill.

Specificity is important in this podcast because the issues that Ms. Long Soldier describes can mean something to Native Americans as a whole, but since there are so many tribes, federally recognized or not, many issues will pertain to just one tribe such as Long Soldier's Lakota Tribe. As for specificity's role in my writing, if you are not specific to what community or points you are trying to make then your argument will be lost to the reader or at least a lot weaker than it could be.

This interview certainly takes an informal tone however still sticks to the points its trying to make. The interviewer allows the conversation to drift just enough to add to the value of the interview but not enough to get off track. It takes turns between asking and answering questions as well as getting sidetracked and particularly friendly and informal. This tactic allow the interviewee to stay comfortable and expand on their answers within a reasonable amount; a tactic that will be helpful to my interview.