The Education of Little Tree

Originally published on social media on September 30th, 2023

My mind is bubbling with questions: how could a man like Forrest Carter aka Ada Earl Carter write a story like this? Prior to watching this film, I was not aware that the author of the book it was based on was a KKK organizer as well as an antisemite, yet he wrote this story that seems so opposite of who he was. A book that shares truths about the way indigenous men, women, and children were treated in a way that is not sugar coated to please “the white man.” Something that comes up often in historical discussion is the concept of what is forgivable and what is not. In other words, how do we shape public memory in the way that speaks the truth but honors the good contributions of the individual? I am consistently trying to find balance within these concepts when it comes to my own understanding of the past.

In the last week, I have found myself in multiple conversations about the artist and their relationship to their work, and our relationship to them. Sometimes, the art and the artist can be admired or despised together if the evidence is so consistent in one direction or the other. Other times, such as in this case, the art must be admired separately from the artist. Follow your own convictions in where they lead you.

Here’s the truth: “The Education of Little Tree” is a good story and great film that holds up to modern standards of historical education. Though I haven’t read the book, I can attest to the notion that the movie made me think about the experiences of the indigenous that I will never know for myself. Even if I engage in a multicultural or mixed race marriage as the grandparents of this film do, I still would experience some privilege because of my skin.

Do I celebrate the author? No, I cannot embrace who this author was, but I can be grateful for the way that God was able to bring one element of redemption out of this otherwise terrible person. Something I say often is that God is the best recycler, and can use anything (even things intended for evil) for good. Good wins here, God wins here, but we must remember both sides of this and do what we can to promote equality, inclusion, and truth.