Presenter: Jennifer L. Tsonis
Faculty Advisor: Will Rivers
X6136, jltson01@stlawu.edu

Poster Presentation

Tom Brown Jr. is a world renowned teacher of tracking, spirituality, and survival skills in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. My research examined the background of Tom Brown Jr., as claimed in his autobiography, The Tracker. Tom Brown claims to be raised by an Apache Indian named Stalking Wolf. He says that Stalking Wolf taught him the ways of the Native Americans lifestyle and culture, and has left him with incredible skills in tracking and survival in the wilderness and a deeper state of consciousness than most all other humans. Through the understanding of his very unique and seemingly unbelievable upbringing his honesty has been called into question. As a result of his claims, his adult life has been one of great success, both financially and spiritually. His teachings have influenced millions of people. Through this research and much self-reflection, I sought to justify his possible “white lies” on the grounds that they have yielded nothing but positive results. I challenge the reader to look at the truth being more than just what is verbally stated; at what my be the underlying truth, and thus which type of truth is actually more important. I also raise the issue of our own critique of Tom Brown Jr.’s lifestyle. Does his success make him less credible? Why is it that people seem to harbor negative feeling to those people who are successful?