I will be volunteering at a homeless shelter and need to know if it is insensitive. What do you think?
2006-11-22 11:12:07 · 13 answers · asked by J 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Thanksgiving
I don't believe it would be wrong. Native Americans were the other half of the people that started the tradition of Thanksgiving. There's nothing wrong with giving people a season's greetings. Plus I'm part Native American and I love thanksgiving, i like to eat.
2006-11-22 11:17:46 · answer #1 · answered by simojord2010 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people of all backgrounds are touchy about Thanksgiving, but I think that if a stranger is giving them heart-felt warm wishes, they won't get offended. I wouldn't worry about it too much.
To others wondering why it would be a problem: Thanksgiving is in many ways a symbol of the beginning of the European oppression and near-extermination of Native Americans. It marked the beginning of a Europe-based stronghold on the "new" continent. The idea that the pilgrims were the first people to "settle" in North America is ridiculous because there had been people living there for thousands of years, with their own cultures, traditions, and systems of government.
Columbus Day is the one you really have to watch out for, though. Yikes.
2006-11-22 19:22:52 · answer #2 · answered by lillielil 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It interesting that some of the people answering as Native Americans seem to have no problem with Thanksgiving-- and I'm glad to hear it. I know Native Americans who feel differently and don;t take too kindly to the whole thing.
It's worth saying as long as you're prepared that someone *might* have an issue with it. And, "I hope you enjoy your meal" is always just fine if you're in doubt.
And kudos to you for volunteering....
2006-11-22 19:26:36 · answer #3 · answered by Ms. Switch 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It honestly depends on the Native American you are talking to, but I would recommend being careful after the way the Native Americans were treated (i.e. stolen land/massacred)!
2006-11-22 19:21:57 · answer #4 · answered by OneRunningMan 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, Im native american and we all celebrate the holiday on our rez so I think its fine, its like christmas being thankful for everything life hands to you
2006-11-22 19:19:59 · answer #5 · answered by Rred 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no its not rude they celebrated the first thanksgiving with the Americans. there was never anything racial about thanksgiving they just had a feast to celebrate what they had.
2006-11-22 19:23:35 · answer #6 · answered by roy40372 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ya'at'eeh
I'm a native american and I'm half ute.No,it not wrong to to shake my hands.
Hagoone
2006-11-22 19:52:41 · answer #7 · answered by Char 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just to be safe, say "have a nice day!" People can be a bit touchy, I don't think this will offend anyone.
2006-11-22 19:31:03 · answer #8 · answered by pinacoladasundae 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!! they r the 1s that had the 1st 1 in the 1st place!
2006-11-22 19:29:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why, I'm Native American. It doesn't matter wish them happy thanks giving
2006-11-22 19:14:49 · answer #10 · answered by Monet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋