PROGRAM 22 “ The ways of the Navajos”

INTRODUCTION TO ACT I
Today on TUNING IN THE U.S.A., Robbie, Richard, and Grandpa Stewart are traveling across Arizona. Richard is looking for people and places to photograph for his book. And Robbie wants to find a topic to write about. Today they are looking for the home of the Navajo Indians, the Navajo reservation. They stop for gas and meet a young Navajo, John Begay. Robbie and John begin to talk. And then John invites the Stewarts to his house.

ACT I
John: Hello. Shall I fill it up?
Richard: [ He is outside the car.] Yes, Please.
John: It’s a long way between gas stations around here. You want me to check the oil?
Richard

INTRODUCTION TO ACT II
This time on TUNING IN THE U.S.A., Robbie, Richard, and Grandpa Stewart are at a giveaway--- a traditional party at a Navajo Indian home. The Begay family is celebrating its good fortune. One of the Begay children, John, will be going to college soon. He hopes to become a doctor. It is a beautiful night in the Arizona desert. Robbie talks to John Begay’s father, and he learns more about the ways of the Navajos.

ACT II
John: Father, these are the Stewarts from New York.
Mr. Begay: Hello. I’m Ned Beggay. You are welcome at our giveaway.
Grandpa: Hello, I’m Malcolm Stewart, and these are my grandsons, Richard , a photographer…
Richard: Hello.
Grandpa: And Robbie.
Robbie: Hello.
Mr. Begay: Well, please enjoy yourselves. We’ve roasted a sheep. And there’s lots of food. Make yourselves at home.
John: Father, Robbie wants to write about life here on the reservation. So I asked him to come tonight.
Mr. Begay: If you have any question, please ask me. But first, have something to eat.
Robbie:[ He listens to the night sounds.] What a night!
Mr. begay: The desert is a special place.
Robbie: I mean, the stars are so bright, and the air is so clear.
Mr. Begay: Thee are the important things: the land, the sky , the stars, the people.
Robbie: Mr. Begay, you used a word earlier, “giveaway.” What is that?
Mr. Begay: Here among the Navajos, it is the custom to celebrate good fortune by having a party. We call it a giveaway. We give food to our friend. When a baby is born, or, like today, when we know that our son will be going to college, it’s a good time for a giveaway.
Grandpa: Your must be very proud of your son John.
Mr. Begay: We are. He will study medicine, and he will do something good among us. He will not only be a doctor.
John: Father wants me to keep on with the old ways.
Mr. Begay