Why do people who are 1 100th Indian ALWAYS proclaim their 'Indian-ness'?

Question

And by Indian I mean Native American, not Asian Indian...

Surely you've met such people... they are usually something like 1 millionth Cherokee (it's always Cherokee!) and yet they're always keen to share with the world their 'heritage'... usually in the form of dreamcatchers hung from rear-view mirrors, 'Indian pride' bumper stickers, and tacky southwestern jewelry. My ACTUAL Indian friends can't stand these people.

Tell me, why don't these people realize that they aren't Indians?

Answer 1

simple: for the exotic. Many people have a wish to be something "more" than they actually are. In the case of white folks who do this, they buy into the myth of Indians being mystical--they want to be Indian because they mistakenly believe Indians represent something magical and exotic--diffferent from the common belief that "white culture" is culture-less. The mistake is that they appropriate attitudes from a consumer mentality (buying things that show their Indian-ness), and further perpetuate stereotypes at the same time they try to say that they _are_ Indian.

It's all quite silly, really.

Answer 2

I'm ... a quarter cherokee, and I went through an "indian" stage, but I think it was more because I lived near a reservation.

I think that people who are American or "white" who are also into culture, try to find a connection with one that is not their most dominant one. I've seen many Mexican Americans who do this same thing, who are less that 1/2 Mexican. I've seen it with Asians also.

I'm also part Portugese/Spanish and I am very into the Spanish culture. I think it is a way to be more involved in the culture when someone claims something they're *almost* not. I think it's great actually. America needs more people interested in different backgrounds, languages and cultures. We've been spoiled to think that we're the only ones here.

And maybe, just maybe, that little part of them that is Cherokee, IS important to them and they are proud of it. What's wrong with someone liking their mixed background?

Almost no one in America is pure anything... what do we say we are then? White? American? Mixed? We can have American pride, but how nice is it to have something to relate to that is different and unique? You know happens when we find no interest in other cultures (even if it is overdone)? Willfull segregation. Asains only with asians, Indians only with Indians, Latinos only with Latinos... whites with whites, how boring and how wrong.

Answer 3

I understand where you are coming from. It is kind of funny. I had some nutty friends back in Virginia who's great, great, great, grandmother was native american. I forgot which tribe, but they believed they are full bloods. They are Irish! But, you can't tell them nothing, or they would be offended.

They are white as snow with red hair and freckles! Never seen an Indian like them before. Their homes and cars are decorated with all types of native pictures, feathers, dream catchers, the works. They are very nice, and real cool, but they deny their true heritage which is Irish. I think that is sad.

The Native American Culture is very fasinating. I love their pow wow's, arts and crafts, and history, but I won't go trying to become an Indian, because I am not. But, there are people who claim to be Native American Indian and nothing else. Now that's funny.

My Lakota friends from South Dakota find's this type of behavior offensive from people. I do not think people realize how ridiculous they sound proclaiming to be something they are not.

Hey I enjoy watching the characters in the movie X Men, but you won't see me proclaiming to be one!

Answer 4

They are doing it because they are buying into a romanticized image of the brave and stoic Native American.

They want to be the brave warrior, indian princess or the wise shaman.

What people don't realize is that indigenous people still exist and that we have made it into the 21st century just like everyone else. We drive cars, have cell phones and live in houses with walls and doors.

Answer 5

I'd go further: why don't "American Indians" acknowledge they aren't Indians at all? Or is it fun to perpetuate a mistake some clueless European made five centuries ago?

Answer 6

Because according to the law they are!!
In the US if you have a SINGLE drop of blood that is indian than you are!
Same is true with African American! If you have a single drop of black blood in you , even if you are blonde and blue eyed, by law you are African American!!

Answer 7

i dunno...i look whitey but i have indian from my great grandma on dads side...i have patchy facial hair and short stature...kinda high cheekbones...sure indian is cool i guess...but i get my firey temper from moms irish side i think...irish are cool to...why are you hatin anyway? i kinda see your point tho...its like awhile back every black person u ran into in south florida was "jamaican"....they had a mysterious builtup badass image on tv for awhile i guess....everyone is looking for some personal identity.

Answer 8

they need psychiatric evaluation because they are ashamed of who they are (black) because they are the main ones that claim that shitt. sickening but true.

Answer 9

probably drunk or something...