How come I keep reading posts where people say that Natives were wiped to extinction. Or even that they are nearly extinct. This is cultural ignorance. It is true that Native people make up a small percent of the population but that doesn't mean they are near extinction, in fact Native populations are rising.
Where do people learn this stuff?
Don't people know that by saying this they are spreading cultural ignorance?
Don't people know that by saying Native people are exting or are near extinction they are supporting oppression?
And shouldn't every citizen have to know about the first citizens of this country?
2007-03-01 11:43:27 · 7 answers · asked by RedPower Woman 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Sorry if I sound like I'm ranting but I think it's important for people to know
And I swear there are a ton of posts that say this
(ledge, just because you are part Cherokee doesn't make you unbiased)
2007-03-01 12:01:14 · update #1
Matt -
Two points
1. Mascots hurt Native culture. They do not promote it. Ask any Native who is active in their community (i stress this part)
2. You do not have to be full blood to keep your culture alive.
2007-03-01 12:13:25 · update #2
I completely agree with you, although I've never heard such absurd comments that native people are extinct. It's ridiculous. I live in Canada where there are many native people. The statement that there aren't many left sounds very ignorant, like it would come out of the mouth of a person who grew up in one place with same people and didn't travel much. Maybe this idea came from the fact that the native culture has been dissolved through the white people moving to this continent and influencing it with their ideas and beliefs. Therefore taking away some of the natural culture and traditions. I think the native culture and civilization would've been much more beautiful if it was allowed to flourish without the implementation of european culture and beliefs. I also think that there wouldn't be concerns about global warming and planet pollution, because native americans have an amazing respect for nature.
2007-03-01 11:54:00 · answer #1 · answered by Gist 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Um, I've never heard anyone say that Native Americans are an extinct population. That's ridiculous. I agree that citizens should learn about all other cultures, particularly those of the country in which they live. My daughter studied Native American culture several times in school. I am surprised to learn that you have encountered such posts.
2007-03-01 19:49:01 · answer #2 · answered by artemisaodc1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think what people mean is that PURE blooded native americans are having a problem containing their numbers. This is a big problem in hawaii too. So much intermarriage has caused few people to be 100% native. You will find many that are half-native and half-italian, etc. I don't think extinct, if they use that word, would be correct. There is def a problem though that needs to be addressed. In hawaii the natives are a mixture of hawaiian, filipino, white american, and japanese usually. fewer and fewer are pure native hawaiian. It is hard to say what will happen in 50 years when there will be pretty much zero pure natives in america, but we shall see. This is one reason I am against banning native american mascots from colleges. We need some way to keep their culture in mainstream america. if the pure natives die off and we take away all references to natives in society, what are we left with?1 chapter in our history books?
2007-03-01 20:08:26 · answer #3 · answered by Matt 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes.
You keep reading those posts because you like to waste your time.
They learn this stuff from other people and instead of thinking for themselves, they just follow it.
Cultural ignorance is rampant and doesn't only include Natives.
I don't see the causitive link to show how it supports oppression, but maybe you could school me on that. As far as I can see, it just shows stupidity.
No American "has" to know anything.
I fully respect your passion, but you should take a chill pill. You're not going to get across to the ignorant minds of the masses like this. And in case you think my opinions are biased, I'm part Cherokee.
Peace.
Maybe it doesn't automatically mean I'm unbiased, but I am. Calm down. I'm not arguing with you. I'm trying to help you. If you don't want to think with an open mind, then keep on with your mindless ranting instead of intelligently educating the people.
2007-03-01 19:56:38 · answer #4 · answered by Ledge 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well nobody told me.The Native American Heritage of my family goes back to 1775 and I just looked in a mirror and I'm not extinct.
2007-03-01 23:03:21 · answer #5 · answered by blakree 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard anyone say that Native Americans are extinct or near extinct. They are all over America, sadly we white people took their land and forced them on reservations. But at least they can spear sturgeons and gamble.
2007-03-01 20:00:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
I know that, Native Americans are just as alie as Americans.
2007-03-01 20:04:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋