Jaycee Woods

In renaming the Geronimo’s Sons draft, I was initially thinking about going with Geronimo’s Ghosts instead, but an exchange with Copilot changed my mind.

Q: What is the Apache view on ghosts?

Copilot: The Apache people have a distinct perspective on ghosts, which is rooted in their cultural and spiritual beliefs. Traditionally, the Apache fear the ghosts of the deceased, believing that these spirits might resent the living. To avoid any negative influence from these ghosts, the Apache have specific practices:

Swift Burial: The deceased are buried quickly to prevent their spirits from lingering.

Burning Possessions: The house and possessions of the deceased are burned to eliminate any connection to the ghost.

Ritual Purification: The mourning family undergoes ritual purification and often moves to a new place to escape the ghost’s presence.

These practices reflect a deep respect for the deceased and a desire to maintain harmony and safety for the living.

Learn more: 1. www.alivehospice.org 2. goldfieldghosttown.com 3. worldofcaves.com

Q: I was wondering if Apache might have a positive connotation for ghosts. For example, if the modern Apache were suffering a fentanyl epidemic would how would they view ghosts that attacked the responsible Mexican cartel?

Copilot: The Apache traditionally view ghosts with fear and caution, but cultural beliefs can evolve over time. While historical Apache beliefs generally don’t attribute positive connotations to ghosts, modern interpretations might vary, especially in response to contemporary issues like a fentanyl epidemic.

If modern Apache communities were facing such a crisis, they might reinterpret their spiritual beliefs to find strength and resilience. Ghosts attacking a harmful entity like a cartel could be seen as protective spirits or avenging forces, reflecting a shift towards viewing certain spirits as allies in their struggle.

Cultural beliefs are dynamic and can adapt to new circumstances, so it’s possible that modern Apache might find new meanings in their traditional views to address current challenges.

Q: So by calling them spirits instead of ghosts such would have a more positive connotation for Apache?

Copilot: Yes, referring to them as “spirits” rather than “ghosts” could indeed carry a more positive connotation. In many cultures, the term “spirit” often implies a more neutral or even benevolent presence, whereas “ghost” can suggest something more fearful or malevolent.

For the Apache, this shift in terminology might help frame these entities as protective or guiding forces, especially in the context of a modern crisis like a fentanyl epidemic. By viewing these spirits as allies rather than threats, the community could find a source of strength and hope in their spiritual beliefs.

Q: Can spirits possess an Apache warrior to strengthen them for a just fight?

Copilot: In Apache culture, there are stories of warriors being guided and protected by spirits, especially in times of great need. For example, the legendary Apache warrior Geronimo was believed to have been supernaturally protected and guided by spirits. These spirits were thought to provide him with extraordinary abilities, such as being impervious to bullets and having heightened intuition.

While traditional Apache beliefs do not explicitly mention spirits possessing warriors, the idea of spiritual guidance and protection is strong. In a modern context, it’s possible that such beliefs could evolve to include the concept of spirits empowering warriors for a just cause, especially in response to contemporary challenges.

Learn more: 1. www.history.com 2. allthatsinteresting.com 3. www.encyclopedia.com 4. www.psychologytoday.com

Q: Working out a title for a story about a 21st century Apache-Mexican war. Working title is now Geronimo’s Sons but I wonder if Geronimo’s Spirits might be better.

Copilot: Both titles have a strong appeal and convey different aspects of your story. Here are some thoughts to help you decide:

Geronimo’s Sons

Focus: This title emphasizes lineage and heritage, suggesting a direct connection to Geronimo’s descendants.

Themes: It might highlight themes of family, legacy, and the continuation of Geronimo’s fight through his bloodline.

Geronimo’s Spirits

Focus: This title leans more towards the spiritual and supernatural elements, implying that Geronimo’s spirit or the spirits of his era are influencing the present.

Themes: It could explore themes of spiritual guidance, ancestral protection, and the blending of past and present struggles.

If your story involves a significant supernatural or spiritual component, Geronimo’s Spirits might be more fitting. On the other hand, if the focus is on the descendants and their direct actions, Geronimo’s Sons could be more appropriate.

Q: I had been thinking legacy, but it might go differently in editing. It is the story of a band of Apache and Commanche raiding into Mexico to destroy a drug cartel whose fentanyl killed the leader’s brother.

Copilot: That sounds like a compelling and intense story! Given the plot, both titles could work well, but they would emphasize different aspects:

Geronimo’s Sons

Legacy Focus: This title would highlight the continuation of Geronimo’s fight through his descendants, emphasizing their heritage and the personal vendetta against the cartel.

Geronimo’s Spirits

Spiritual Focus: This title would suggest that the warriors are guided or empowered by the spirits of their ancestors, adding a supernatural element to their quest for justice.

Since your story involves a mix of Apache and Comanche warriors, you might also consider a title that reflects the unity and collaboration between these groups. Here are a couple of additional suggestions:

Warriors of the Spirit

Unity and Spirituality: This title emphasizes both the collaboration between the Apache and Comanche and the spiritual guidance they receive.

Legacy of the Ancestors

Heritage and Ancestral Influence: This title focuses on the influence of their ancestors’ legacy on their current mission.

Q: I was thinking about Spirit as being an Apache psyop to terrify the Mexicans.

Copilot: That’s an intriguing angle! Using the concept of spirits as a psychological operation (psyop) to instill fear in the cartel could add a fascinating layer to your story. It blends the supernatural with strategic warfare, making the title Geronimo’s Spirits particularly fitting.

Geronimo’s Spirits

Psychological Warfare: This title would emphasize the use of spiritual beliefs as a tool to terrify and demoralize the enemy.

Supernatural Edge: It suggests that the warriors are not only fighting physically but also leveraging the fear of the supernatural to their advantage.

Incorporating this element could create a rich narrative where the Apache and Comanche warriors use their cultural heritage and the fear of spirits to gain a psychological edge over the cartel. It also allows for deeper exploration of themes like the power of belief and the intersection of tradition and modern conflict.

Q: How would a gang member respond to such a psyop. Are there particular Mexican cultural belief that would be intimidated by the supernatural?

Copilot: Mexican cultural beliefs are rich with supernatural elements, and many people, including gang members, might be influenced by these beliefs. Here are some key points:

Cultural Beliefs

Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos): This celebration honors deceased loved ones, and spirits are believed to return to visit their families. The idea of spirits being active and present is deeply ingrained.

Santa Muerte: This folk saint, known as “Holy Death,” is venerated by many, including some cartel members. Santa Muerte is often invoked for protection and success in criminal activities, but the fear of death and the supernatural is also strong.

Evil Eye (Mal de Ojo): Many Mexicans believe in the power of the evil eye, which can cause harm through a malevolent glare.

Gang Member Response

Given these beliefs, a psyop involving spirits could be quite effective. Gang members might react with fear and paranoia, especially if they believe the spirits are vengeful or protective of the Apache warriors. The use of supernatural elements could undermine their confidence and morale, making them more susceptible to psychological manipulation.

Practical Application

Rumors and Stories: Spreading stories of vengeful spirits attacking cartel members could create fear and uncertainty.

Symbolic Acts: Leaving symbols or items associated with spirits at crime scenes could reinforce the belief that supernatural forces are at work.

Cultural References: Using elements from Mexican folklore, such as the Cihuateteo (spirits of women who died in childbirth) or the concept of haunted crossroads, could add authenticity to the psyop.

By leveraging these cultural beliefs, the Apache warriors could create a powerful psychological weapon against the cartel.

Learn more: 1. en.wikipedia.org 2. leb.fbi.gov 3. berkleycenter.georgetown.edu 4. theculturetrip.com 5. www.bbc.com 6. www.police1.com 7. en.wikipedia.org