Introduction:
In the lesson "The Cutting of My Long Hair" by Zitkala-Sa, the cutting of her long hair symbolizes subjection to the rulers. This act represents the forced assimilation and cultural erasure imposed upon Native American children in the Indian boarding schools during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Body:
1. Forced Assimilation:
- The cutting of Zitkala-Sa's long hair was a deliberate act of forced assimilation imposed by the missionaries and school authorities.
- The Indian boarding schools aimed to strip Native American children of their cultural identity and make them conform to Euro-American norms.
- By cutting her long hair, Zitkala-Sa was forced to abandon an important symbol of her Native American identity and cultural heritage.

2. Symbol of Subjection:
- Long hair held significant cultural and spiritual importance for many Native American tribes.
- It was a symbol of pride, strength, and connection to one's heritage.
- By cutting her hair, Zitkala-Sa was symbolically stripped of her Native American identity and subjected to the authority and control of the boarding school.

3. Loss of Autonomy:
- The act of cutting Zitkala-Sa's hair without her consent represents the loss of autonomy and agency experienced by Native American children in the boarding schools.
- They were forced to conform to Euro-American standards and were denied the right to express or embrace their own cultural practices.

4. Cultural Erasure:
- The cutting of Zitkala-Sa's hair was part of a broader strategy to erase Native American culture and replace it with Euro-American values.
- By forcing Native American children to adopt Euro-American hairstyles, clothing, and language, the boarding schools aimed to eradicate their cultural traditions and assimilate them into mainstream society.

Conclusion:
The cutting of Zitkala-Sa's long hair symbolizes the subjection of Native American children to the rulers of the Indian boarding schools and the forced assimilation and cultural erasure they experienced. It represents the loss of cultural identity, autonomy, and the imposition of Euro-American norms.