Quote:
Originally posted by Back In The Saddle
Because this isn't about the Native Americans, as usual it's all about us us us. It's about how the self-described enlightened thinkers of our society believe that we should all feel about this issue. One part of our society is trying to force another part of our society to adhere to what they have decided is best for the Native Americans' society.
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Ray, this just isn't true. Although not all Native Americans' individually are offended, many have been, and they were the ones who started the issue many many years ago. I don't know where this thing about the "self-described enlightened thinkers" comes from. It was Indians themselves who were concerned about this to begin with, and it has been Indians who have pushed it as far as they have. Others have joined in the effort, because they feel that they want the offense to end, but the core drive has been primarily Native American.
Chuck, I feel strongly about this, because I have listened to many many Native Americans express their opinions and I feel that they should get more respect than to just say, "Get over it." I know it's sappy and touchy-feely to say, but I prefer to relate to people on a more positive basis, than to dismiss their feelings out of hand. Does that mean they can just wallow in self-pity? Of course not! But why should I contribute to the problem if I can do something to make it less difficult? Who gains if I take the attitude, "The heck with you, I'm doing it my way."?
Whoever said something about the homelessness, alcoholism and lack of education that Indians tend to suffer under, I'd just like to note that it's generally the people who are doing the most to address these issues who are also making an issue of the stereotypes and offensive mascots. And those are usually Native Americans themselves, not "self-described enlightenment thinkers," by the way.
It's obvious that I'm not going to win a lot of converts, so I'm not going to keep arguing about this, but I gotta admit, it always surprises me to find that such nice guys as y'all are so dense about some of these issues. Now you can argue with each other about whether that was an insult or a compliment.