Comments on: Native Americans: Question Three

By: maritzy

maritzy — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 01:51:54 +0000

I think that many people feel like what happened to the Native Americans is not their fault. I think that many people feel like we really can’t do anything about it anymore and that it happened so long ago to do something about it now. In addition, people haven’t been directly affected by it so it really doesn’t hit home for them. For something to really hit home for someone it think has to closely relate to them, and of course we can’t relate to someone taking land from us. But if you think about it, Native Americans have a similar obstacle because it’s not their fault that they had they’re ancestor’s land taken away from them. They were born into learning that many years ago all this land once belonged to them. Therefore, were in a similar position, nothing was our fault but it happened and we can do something about it. People should stop thinking that it’s not their fault and start thinking about ways we can give back. Seeing how they’re the poorest people in the United States we can get people together to start a sort of fundraiser to get them more school supplies, etc. Or we can also donate used books and just start a bond with these innocent people. I think that some Native Americans think that since it was not our fault the genocide happened that we’re not willing to do anything about it but we should show them the contrary. This I think will ease so tension or feelings about this history and will form a special relationship. We need to keep in mind that we can’t change everything but I think that even by trying to do something will count a lot. Ultimately, people will realize that this should disturb us and that just because we didn’t commit the genocide does not mean that we’re completely innocent. We can’t erase history but we can change the future by starting right now. People can make drastic changes as long as they set their minds to it. Coming together for this good cause should be the new “talk” right now and action needs to take place. How to start? By researching the different ways we can help and learning more about Native Americans. Going to visit the closest reservation to do some community service maybe? Most importantly however, is spreading the word. We need to let people know about what’s happened and how to help. By doing so we can move on to a more prosperous future concerning this subject.

By: jjk5071

jjk5071 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:39:26 +0000

i think first and foremost people are not talking about it because it does not happen to them or they do not live in that area. we tend to stay out of problems that do not involve us, which obviously we need to change. this is a big issue but no one will step up because we did steal from them, reffering to white men. its almost like a guilt so deep we feel as if we avoid it long enough it will go away, kind of like a pesty ex girlfriend. but an entire culture is not your ex girlfriend it does not go away. we have to deal with this issue head on if we want it to change and sadly i do not see that happening here. we avoid it because we dont like change in our lives and we figure why change something that seems to be a norm.

By: crm5184

crm5184 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:46:28 +0000

I agree completely with this post. I think it seems as though people aren't really caring or taking the point home with them because they just don't have any clue what to do about the situation. I personally feel like it's really hard to manage wanting to do something about the horrible situation the Native Americans have been put in versus the issue of "blame." I'll admit, I was actually completely ignorant to the true genocide that occurred here against the American Indians until we talked about it in class. I had no clue it was the largest genocide in human history?! And it's extremely frustrating to find all this out and to feel like there's nothing I can do about it…to just keep living the same everyday as when I didn't know about this mass killing and stealing of land. But at the same time, I think wanting to do something to help and fix the problem gets grouped in with taking the blame and admitting wrongs- which is not something I can do. I have never killed a Native American. I have never stolen their land. I've never enslaved them. And I don't think anyone in our generation should take the blame for something they weren't involved in, whether their ancestors were involved or not. We always preach that we're accountable for our OWN action alone, but when we're discussing tough issues between the races, everyone wants to group every person of the race together and hold them all accountable for the actions of other people of the same race. Why? I'm not a representative of my race, either the living or dead members and I don't want to take the blame for something they did. The only thing I have in common with the people who did what I am blamed for is skin color- I don't know them or anything about them. I have upmost respect for all people because we are all human beings and I don't look down on a single person on the basis of skin color. I don't see anyone as an inferior. And so I refuse to let myself feel guilty for the fact that white people killed Native Americans and white peole enslaved African Americans. These things are HORRIBLY wrong and its upsetting that they happened, but I didn't do it. When a parent commits murder, does anyone blame the murder on their child also? No, and it'd be ridiculous if they did! So why should we continue to blame people and be hostile toward them for things that their ancestors did long ago, or for a lot of us, for things that members of our race- not even related to us in any way did long ago? That being said though, I hope that knowing this genocide occurred does strike a nerve with everyone but its tragic. But again, I also wish that there was more outlets available for us to "do something" about it and try to help these people who have been treated so unfairly for way too long now.

By: paulh1124

paulh1124 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:01:59 +0000

I just do not see it. I never studied history or Native Americans and if it does not effect me personally now in life then I am not worried. It is like that saying not my chair not my problem. Like I understand some people are really interested in learning about his more and more, but for me I can care less. I know there are a lot of people who feel the same way and they just do not want to say they do not care. Maybe I am part of the race problems I do not care, or what to speak about it so I am not going to. Like someone else said in this section, we only think about it when someone talks about it. I think this is the first class i ever had that spoke about any problems like this or native Americans in general, or who knows maybe i am just not paying attention in history class. I am the complete opposite of the person who asked this question. I would say what makes people care so much about issues like this. How does it affect you? Really? to you personally? For me it is not just this topic though its every other one including slavery. I care about my grades and getting a job and my family and friends. Other then that what else do i have to worried about. Life is to short to worry. As Sam says were all gonna die soon anyway so who gives a BEEEP!

Then again there are those people that really care and i guess you have your opinions to care or not, but like Sam they have to convince the people that do not care to care. That is something hard to do especially when someone has their mind set on something. The person in the video sounds like they care so much about it which amazes me because i just can not see it.
I am trying to think of a way that would help me see it, but I can't. I think the only way I would see it would be if a real person in a situation would come explain. For instance a Native American guest speaker or something. When one white person is just talking to another white person, sometimes I just think why do they care and get involved in shit that is minimal.

If anyone reads this post let me know if you agree or not or just think I am living in a bubble or something. I do not like to think myself as living like that, but I guess the people that care about this will be mad at me for all that I said. The end result is if there is no connection to you personally then what is to worry about. You can not change any past happenings and you can not predict the future.

By: BruceEtt

BruceEtt — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:14:49 +0000

I like your style combackid. My first memories of learning about slavery were in fifth grade but I am sure I had at least some education in it before that. I can recall my first lesson on Native Americans. In third grade we made beef jerky. Somewhat appalling now that I look back on it. I was painted a picture of people who roamed the earth enjoying beef jerky and then vanishing. I learned that we got along together for thanksgiving and loved each other. We all learned at a young age that the holocaust was a tragedy of epic proportions. But it was the Germans who committed it. America could never do something like that. How wrong I was. How wrong we were. It wasn’t until I took an interest in their culture that I truly learned what happened. We need to slam it in our children’s faces just the same as slavery. With knowledge comes power.

By: BruceEtt

BruceEtt — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:06:59 +0000

I can see how you don’t feel blame for this but you should at least feel a shred of responsibility. I am fine with you not feeling responsible for taking their land but you are playing a part today. When you stated you would apologize just to appease the situation a chill ran down my spine. Just saying sorry to say sorry means absolutely nothing. In fact, it is the opposite of saying sorry. “Appeasing” the situation achieves nothing. What these people need is an apology of grandiose proportions, one the likes of which can only be compared to the Australian government apologizing to the Aborigines. The responsibility of yours is to apologize and to feel that apology in every bone in your body.

By: BruceEtt

BruceEtt — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:58:28 +0000

I found myself somewhat offended by your question even though I know I shouldn’t be at all. Perhaps because I feel as if you have grouped our class into one conglomerate inconsiderate group when I know that both you and I are playing on the same team. Through out our discussion, one that I though was much more important than the actual lecture topic that day, people began to grow uneasy. Kids shifted uncomfortably in their chairs and began to converse with their friends and neighbors instead of being immersed by the reality the rest of us were discussing. I cannot blame them however. It is much easier to put up an imaginary wall of not caring. From all directions I heard murmurs of “this is worthless” and whispers of “who cares?” And then you ask me how I cannot be moved? I want to stand up and say I do care, more than I carry on. Perhaps it was my upbringing, in fact I’m sure it was, that lead me to become passionate about American Indians. My grandmother has some Native American in her blood, nothing to change her appearance or anything of the sort. Perhaps we are even just claiming it and it isn’t true. My father’s side of the family has actually had an experience with American Indians that isn’t a good one. My family has been in the Pittsburgh area since pre-revolutionary war times. One of my ancestors, Massy Harbison, had two of her children murdered by American Indians. Here is the link if you want a brief summary. http://www.saxonburglocalhistory.com/MasseyHarbis... My father and I both share a love for the outdoors that very few people have and I believe part of that is due to our love of Native American culture. I can remember in my first room there were multiple “artifacts” that came from tribes in our region. All that was more or less just to give me some credibility when I say I am disheartened every time I hear the Native Americans story. I recently finished a book on the Lakota tribes ethics and morals that was very eye opening to me. There ability for compassion is one that I think everyone should learn from. From day one they have helped us. Some people forget that the pilgrims would not have lived through one winter without the help of the Native Americans. It was the Native Americans, Navajo to be specific, who created a radio code in WWII that the Germans could not crack. Yet today we continue to disrespect them. I feel very “moved” by every atrocity we have committed to them, but at the same time I am overwhelmed. I ask myself what I can do as an individual and the only thing I can come up with is speak up for them when I have the opportunity. I hope some day I have the resources to do more than that, perhaps lobby for laws or educate their children who normally wouldn’t have a chance. I am just another fish in the sea but before my death I am certain that I will see change for these deserving people.

By: MashedPotato

MashedPotato — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 01:56:28 +0000

I think that people aren't as effected by this issue as sam richards is for a few reasons. First of all, most people in the room really can not relate to what he is talking about even with the pictures and data he shows us. There is poverty all over the world, and I think maybe it doesn't really hit home for people unless they experience it first hand. Also with that being said, there is poverty all over the world. It definitely sucks for Native Americans that so many of them are poor, but there are a lot of other people living in poverty as well. In my opinion, the story of the Native Americans being poor doesn't reach me any more emotionally than hearing about any other homeless or poor person. Sure, their land was taken from them, but that was a very long time ago, way before black people were slaves, and black people aren't just living in black colonies complaining about it, they are fighting for rights and making it a priority for things to become more equal.

I also just don't understand the issue fully, which is another reason that other people probably don't feel as bad for them also. In class, we learned that the native americans are poor, but thats about all we learned about them. Sam does a terrible job of giving specific examples on this topic, probably because either there are none or he just has no idea. We just know that they are poor, and he equates that in class since there are so many of them that are poor to racism. Maybe there is racism going on, but how am I supposed to know that. I've never seen or heard anyone say or do anything racist against a Native American. That doesn't mean that it doesnt exist, but I would understand better and feel more for their situation if I knew of some more specific examples. I don't include the whole red nigger thing because every racial, ethnic, color, anything group are called mean names and that doesn't hold them back and keep them in poverty.

Another reason why people really dont recognize this as a huge issue is because they don't know many or any native americans. I'm not talking about people who have native american blood, im talking about people who live on reservations and only associate with native american and nothing else. If you dont experience something first hand, its hard to understand well. Everyone knows a black person who feels as if they are being oppressed and countless other racist examples. I just have never seen any native american being held down because of their race, if anything, I have seen native americans who were proud of their race. I dunno, Im gonna die before anyone figures this out so who cares.

By: pennstategirl10

pennstategirl10 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 07:52:28 +0000

I agree with most of what is posted up as to why the genocide seems so foreign. I do have a few of my own points I would like to express. Obviously everyone begins with the fact that this took place more than a few centuries ago. Because it took place so long ago, we can’t really relate since we have no direct affiliation with it meaning the genocide. Centuries of discrimination against Native Americans has become engrained into society so much that it has become a norm. It has become normal for society to accept the fact that Native Americans live less privileged lives than most other minorities. Americans accept the fact that they live on reservations that are very poor and have high unemployment rates. Most of the Native Americans live in poverty on these reservations. I think it is easy for most Americans to accept these facts because this genocide happened so long ago that it is hard for us to relate to how severe it really was. I do not wish to offend anybody with what I am about to say; I simply want to express my opinion. I do believe that Native Americans have experienced the worst discrimination than most races. They have been held down for the longest time. Although this may be true, I still feel that Native Americans themselves should still be pushing to make themselves a better race. What I mean by this is that I think the Native American should be doing more for themselves. They should be pushing to get better education, more resources, and for equality in the work place. A better education will better them in so many ways. A better education from a young age enables and if not pushes them to attend college. Higher education comes with many benefits. Overtime, these could greatly increase the reach of the Native Americans throughout the U.S. economy. Native Americans would be able to hold more white collar jobs. They would also have incentives to leave the reservation for a better life. This would greatly improve their status if this could even be achieved. Simply better education and opportunities would help their future lifestyles. Although some reservations do make money off their casinos; this only applies to a small percent of Native Americans that live in the upper class. Although I can agree that the Native Americans have been discriminated for the long time, I believe that they still should try to persevere through their current circumstances. I’m going to explain why I have this opinion. I feel like this because honestly I’ve never been properly education on the Native American genocide. Growing up in the American school system, I learned the basic fundamentals of the roles of Native Americans during the first Thanksgiving Day and the settlement of the first colony. That is basically about it. After that, we don’t get into specific detail about the rest of the roles that Native Americans played in the United States; at least to my education level.

By: katieladie43

katieladie43 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 05:39:26 +0000

I think the reason why I don’t take it as hard as I should is because I don’t see it. It’s like if I can’t see it then it isn’t happening. I know deep down it is, but I chose to ignore it until I see the pictures in class. Even then it doesn’t stick because it isn’t around me. I see the pictures in class or the videos and then I go on with my daily life. It’s like when you see the commercials on TV for kids in foreign countries starving. You might send a donation or sponsor a child but even then 9 out 10 people don’t have another thought about it. I’m not saying it’s right but I’m just answering the question from my point of view.