There was a discussion a few weeks ago , and it came up again briefly with some people that we were talking to yesterday. There is a perception that all Native Americans are wonderful, spiritual people. Being part NA I would love to say "that is true!". But it isn't. They are people. Just like all Christians aren't good people, all Jews aren't good people, all New Englanders aren't good people, all Muslims aren't good people, all anything is not good or bad. There is no group ,ethnic or spiritual, that is all good or all bad.
Native Americans fought and killed other Native Americans before any Europeans set foot on Turtle island. Not all of them didn't get along, but like any society, not all of them did either! The Navajo, who are wonderful people, were known in one form or another as "head breakers". The Iroquois nation were fighters and feared, especially the Mohawks! One of my tribal roots, the Narragansetts, were either fighting and killing their neighbors, or fighting with them, depending on the era and circumstances. The war dance wasn't invented for the Europeans! These nations won't hurt you today, and it is safe to roam around their world, but there was a time when things were very violent. That doesn't mean there are no issues these people do not face today, but thinking that the original people of this land walked around all day hugging each other is ridiculous!
Today there is MUCH tribal strife in certain nations (Lakota and Cheyenne have most recently been in the news), and others are prospering and have a smooth running tribal government. They are people, some will be good, some will be bad. Most recently Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal government members were caught embezzling tribal funds for such personal things as new cars.The story is here:
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2011/07/cheyenne-and-arapaho-tribal-embezzlement-convictions-stand/
The Lakota reservation, most notably at Pine Ridge, suffers from corrupt government and young people who threaten and harm elders. They have forgotten the traditional ways and have sometimes become violent against other Lakota. (I have been told that Pine Ridge and Porcupine are the worst, and they call these people "thugs" or "Ridgers"). Money meant for all goes in to the pockets of the few.
The most recent example:
http://unsettlingamerica.wordpress.com/solidarity-projects/strong-heart-mutual-aid-project/elders-under-threat-corruption-in-elderly-meals-program/
Some Lakota want the US government the put a stop to threats and con artists, but I really don't think they can step in...and if they did, traditionalists would most likely scream about government intervention. It is a very sticky situation. I don't know the answer...except that the Lakota need to step up and police the Lakota. Organizations like General Mills are in there feeding children at school programs, yet when programs are not policed, they are taken advantage of. There are hundreds of groups currently working in and on the Lakota reservation to make things better, but they are fighting a battle with the Lakota themselves. They have the most help of any tribe, and the least result from it. There are also abundant social issues there that need to be addressed so the people can move forwards.
Just being "any background" does not make one a good person. Just this week there was a Hasidic Jewish man (Hasidics are considered to be the most dogmatic and strict of the Jewish religion), who killed and dismembered a young boy who asked him for directions when he became lost walking home for a new school.The story:
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/07/17/ny-man-charged-with-murder-boy-reportedly-had-history-strange-behavior/
We have all heard stories of priests molesting young boys, and the Vatican's NON response to it. Here is a religion that considers itself THE religion, and yet it is doing terrible, sinful, harmful things to children....and that is only part of the issue.
Just because someone is poor, or rich, doesn't make them good or bad; just because someone is religious or not, does not make them good or bad; just because someone is Native American, African American, Latino, Swiss, Irish....anything, does not make them good or bad. They may be mentally or emotionally disturbed, alcoholics, drug addicts,corrupt, and sadly, killers.
We usually think that when we hear the saying "don't judge a book by its' cover" that we are not supposed to make an assumption of someone being "bad" because of their background, heritage or religion. There is also another side to prejudice,that is assuming people are good just because they are of a certain background, heritage or religion.
There are corrupt people. Some have light hair, some have dark hair, the hair color doesn't make them corrupt, the upbringing does.
Don't ever put any group, culture, race or religion on a pedestal. Never look at any group and say they are all good, OR all bad. It was a bit nicer to hear people speaking of groups as being "good" instead of "bad", and maybe that means the mindset of this country has finally shifted, but it still isn't correct. There are corrupt people in every place, every religion, every race, and being a bliss ninny and turning a blind eye to that, will only get you in a bad spot from an empty pocket, to getting personally involved in a group that is harming others (maybe even of their own kind).
There are a few native American newspapers available on line and also Jewish, and Christian publications. They tell the good and the bad....they are a good reality check.
There is one thing I do know, and we have found this to be true since the big changes that happened in the 60's and 70's. You cannot solve problems by throwing money at them. Think of it this way. Say you win a million dollars. You go to the poorest section of town, and give it to the group living there. How many will change their lives for the better after you come with the cash? If you are lucky, maybe one. There will be a rash of spending, stealing, and probably a huge party. It would be a rare thing in deed if one of those folks said "Hey, I am going to go buy a modest home in a good neighborhood, and go to college, and change my life!" This doesn't mean poor people are bad people. It does mean that there is usually a set of circumstances that get people into the mess they are in. People are people, most got themselves into that situation in the first place by making bad decisions. Giving them some money, food or clothing will not help them begin to make good decisions.
When there is a person who met with a life disaster , you can give him a hand up. You can use money to cure a sick child, you can use money to help a family with a sick relative who has used all the family's money for health care. You can help a family burned out of their home.
When people are in their circumstances, because they put themselves there, you can write checks all day long, and nothing will change except the amount in your checking account.
Be realistic, RESEARCH, don't assume, never be prejudicial in the negative OR the positive.
Don't be a bliss ninny, it really doesn't actually help anyone.
Learn, research and grow.
Do the right thing for the right reasons.
Peshaui Wequashimese
(C)2011 Dr R M Reiter Wolf. May not be used, copied or reproduced without prior written permission.
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