Question

question 5

\colors of the wind\ by stephen schwartz and alan menken

you think you own whatever land you land on
the earth is just a dead thing you can claim
but i know every rock and tree and creature
has a life, has a spirit, has a name

the rainstorm and the river are my brothers
the heron and the otter are my friends
and we are all connected to each other
in a circle, in a hoop that never ends

• copyright walt disney music company

the song lyrics above represent understandings of time and the sacred that were

common for indians west of the rockies, but rare among those near the atlantic.
common among the many native american groups in what would be the united states.
common to both europeans and indigenous people.
common to indigenous africans but rare among native americans.

Explanation:

Analyze the song lyrics

The lyrics from "Colors of the Wind" describe a worldview where the land, rocks, trees, creatures, rainstorms, and rivers are living, spiritual entities connected in an endless circle. This represents animism and a deep spiritual connection to the natural world.

Relate to historical concepts

Using the Native American Diversity and Native American Adaptation knowledge points, we examine how different historical groups viewed nature. While Native American tribes were incredibly diverse in their languages, social structures, and adaptations to their local environments, a shared spiritual reverence for nature and the belief that the natural world was alive with spirits (animism) was a widespread, common feature among almost all indigenous groups in North America.

Evaluate the answer choices

• Option 1: "common for Indians west of the Rockies, but rare among those near the Atlantic" — Incorrect. Eastern Woodlands tribes near the Atlantic held very similar spiritual views regarding nature.
• Option 2: "common among the many Native American groups in what would be the United States" — Correct. Despite regional differences, a shared spiritual connection to the land and nature was a common thread across nearly all Native American cultures.
• Option 3: "common to both Europeans and indigenous people" — Incorrect. 15th-17th century Europeans generally viewed land as property to be owned, subdued, and commodified, which directly clashed with indigenous views.
• Option 4: "common to indigenous Africans but rare among Native Americans" — Incorrect. These beliefs were highly characteristic of Native Americans.

Answer:

• (A) common for Indians west of the Rockies, but rare among those near the Atlantic
• (B) common among the many Native American groups in what would be the United States (Correct answer)
• (C) common to both Europeans and indigenous people
• (D) common to indigenous Africans but rare among Native Americans