History of Washita

There is an episode on Dr Quinn Medicine Woman in Season 3 titled "Washita".  The episode educates viewers on the conflict between the Cheyenne Indians and US expansion (White Soldiers).  The show does a good job in general of providing perspectives to bridge understanding of cultures, but this episode in particular was very intense and saddening to realize the degree of ignorance and injustice in our history's past.

The term "Dog Soldiers" refer to the Indians who were "rebels", "extremists", or "fighters" for their people and customs. The "Dog Soldiers" are accepted by the other, traditionally peaceful, Indians only because their raids and killing of Whites provided them with food and survival. The US Army is called into the scene because of the outbreak of "Dog Soldier" raids. The scene clips are in 10 minute segments, but in this first video the important dialogues occur between the beginning until the 5 minute mark.

It is interesting to relate dialogue heard in this show from the 1990's (but set back in the mid to late 1800's) to the events and happenings of our world today. For instance, can you imagine the use of a phrase similar to "they can all burn in hell", as said by the injured railroad worker in the opening scene of the clip?  Then you have the propaganda-like comment by General Custer quoted as "enemies to our civilization".

The episode continues. In this clip, the important dialogue occurs between the 4:30 through the 10 minute time frame. 

After viewing the complete episode, Jenny turned to me and said "and the sad thing is it's true".  The killings did take place by both sides; and both sides were looking to protect their way of life.  And still today people live different "ways" of life, so were those killings worth it?  Nobody is ever going to be the same, so why do we seem to expect to be able to change the way someone lives (or think everyone should live like us?)  And more so, are unnecessary killings still occuring today due to our way of life differences?  Where are the active "Dr Quinns and Sullys" of our culture (ie seeking to bring all sides together)?

You can begin your own research on the history of Washita by clicking this Wikipedia Link

If interested, you can own your own seasons of the Dr Quinn show by clicking this Amazon Link

Wisdom, Faith, and Dr Quinn (plus Q of D)

Check out the 2 minute through 6 minute mark on this video segment from a Doctor Quinn episode titled "Season of Miracles".

We've all heard the 'how could God do this?' comments before (because they are valid), and we can relate our own feelings and frustrations with wondering why the bad things that happen to good people.  I'm very pleased with how the show documented this universal struggle.

Sully says, "Maybe you were praying for the wrong thing. Maybe the miracle isn't in the healing but finding the strength to accept what has happened.  Instead of asking 'why me?' starting asking 'what am I going to do about it?'"  Now that is wisdom to my ears.  We can't avoid encountering difficulties in this world; but we can accept them, and make adjustments (one door closes, another opens; or one road ends and a new begins).

The Light is upon us if we choose.  The faith is by walk, not by sight.

Dr Quinn Medicine Woman

Jenny and I have enjoyed reflecting on episodes of old Dr Quinn Medicine Woman shows throughout this year.  We not only appreciate the stellar acting, but are thankful for the purity of the show and the insights to societal and cultural disputes. There is knowledge to gain from our cultures history, for certain.

We value the "lessons to be learned" from the show, such as to be accepting of new ideas or concepts and the insight into the process of "change".

This episode in particular (from Season 2) ends with the Thanksgiving gathering in town. View the scene below, and engage yourself in thoughts regarding the challenge of sitting at the table with different types of people.