Why do people feel that Native American's should be known only for thanksgiving,casino's,& mascot's?

Question

People need to close their minds to ignorance and open it to the different culture's and their way of living.

Answer 1

ironic huh, that we were the original americans, but our culture and traditions are the most misunderstood. we are the most under-served population in our nation...as you and i know, so many tribes are not lucky enough to live in high traffic areas where casinos can be a business venture. many tribes have very few natural resources they can market to support themselves w/o relying on gov't funding. you and i know that there are native children starving in this great land of america. many of us live in substandard housing, have substandard education and medical care. native women and children are physically and sexually abused at a higher rate than any other ethnic group in america. many priests (and teachers) who've been in trouble for molesting children, are sent to missions/churches on reservations, and ndn boarding schools, where they continue their crimes against children in remote, isolated areas.
we are the invisible people in our nation.
many non-ndn ppl still think we all speak the same language and have the same customs.
but...there are some very kind and gracious ppl in our country who do appreciate the native populations, and do what they can to help us preserve our traditions and way of life. a great act of generosity we could benefit from, are contributions to the native american college fund....
http://www.collegefund.org/
donations will help revitalize poor native communities, and give hope to some very bright kids who have a lot to contribute.
mitakuye oyasin ( we are all related )

Answer 2

I agree with you. But I think Americans have an affinity to attaching themself to a Native American heritage.
I constantly hear people say:
I'm part Cherokee.
or
My grandmother was an Indian, so I'm half Sioux (Duh - that's not half)

Anyway, you get my point.

But if you ask any of these people about their history - they haven't a clue.