Reservation Dogs
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Can we talk briefly about how tough it is out here for Native women?
Such are the conditions many Indigenous women continue to face today.
How does one balance the contemporary demands of the world while also staying true to their traditions?
And things only get more complicated when you have kids and you gotta be a mom and shit!
Reservation Dogs Rita is no stranger to these problems.
How will she balance her desires with her responsibilities for her family and community?
Hint: Shes going to have a big meltdown first and will require some spiritual guidance, too.
This means new opportunities, new places, and more $$$$$ for the single mom.
However, Rita feels obligated to stay in town to be close to Bear.
See, the ability to see spirits seems to run in the family (at least on Ritas side … Its interesting that Rita doesnt open up to Bear in light of his story about Deer Lady.
Larry muses that Cookie is just a manifestation of those people we really want to return again.
We dont see dead friends, Larry tells Rita.
Cookie says that she wants to check something out.
And that something is her daughter.
Rita plays along, serving as an awkward medium between the two.
Cookie snaps back with No!
and the ensuing silence speaks volumes.
Cookies breakdown sets Rita into action.
The episode ends with Rita resolving to take that new job.
Shoutout to writer Migizi Pensoneau for rendering these struggles so earnestly.
We watch and we wait.
Its exciting, but its also depressing because such nuance has rarely been visible on television screens before now.
If youre looking for more Native media, check out his work!
