Should I be discouraged or offended....?

Question

My ancestry is mixed African-American and Native American. The term griffe describes a person with mixed ***** and indian ancestry. If someone calls me that, should I be offended? Also, I consider myself a Black Indian because of my dual ancestry, and I acknowledge both parts. Should I be discouraged by African-Americans who think that I should just focus on black heritage alone and think it traitorous to focus on another? Should I be offended by the opinions of American Indians who are narrow minded and think that there is no such thing as Black Indians and think that I am a "wannabe?"

Please, no silly or disrespecful answers. I'm in the middle of a "culture shock".

Answer 1

If you study much history you find that many times when a group of people become a minority that many people in the majority dislike or view as "lesser", that members of that minority are very strict in their estimation of who deserves to belong to that group.

For example, I know some gay and lesbian folks who deride and call bi-sexual folks bad names because they don't like it when someone can keep keep a foot in either camp, so to speak.

And there are Indians who are the same way. Somehow (I'm mixed blood too) it's apparently our fault for being born and not wanting to scorn half our heritage for the other half or for being happy that we are who we are - not one thing or another, just the descendants of people who weren't willing to let race change their decisions on who to love or have sex with.

You know, it's said in some tribes that have a large number of folks with a percentage of non-Indian blood, but the tribe still has a strong identity, that when the first mixed race babies were born, many in the tribe were for killing the infants. Of course, it never happened because no one wanted to do the deed, and those infants became treasured members of the tribe.

Celebrate who you are and be grateful for all those ancestors who were smart enough to look past race when they looked at their beloveds. And remember that most people don't think you're a traitor for being respectful to everyone who made you what you are, just a vocal, self-righteous minority, because mixed blood folks of every racial description really ARE the future.

Answer 2

It depends. I wouldn't waste my energy being offended by anyone who called me a racial slur because its mostly a reflection of their ignorance, and not on your character. Also...when you say you are Black and Indian, do you mean that your mother/father is Indian or half Indian, or that you great grand parents are Indian. I think why some Blacks may get offended by you stating that you are Indian in the latter situation because it implies that you are unhappy with your blackness and wish to not be associated with it. I can't say for certain because I don't know what your particular situation may be. The fact of the matter is, however, that ALL black Americans have some sort of mixture in their blood line, so to state that your family is part this and quarter that seems offensive to some. Again, I don't know what your particular situation may be, so I can not say for certain. The only advice I could give to you in regards to blacks saying nasty things to you is to tell them to stop "hating."

Answer 3

Obama precise? you're joking suitable? all and sundry who cant see previous his very own skin shade as an excuse to why he's not in many situations used with the audacity to blame all of it on racism is a shaggy dog tale. in line with threat he's admitting regardless of the indisputable fact that that he has no character or judgment considering that he trys to cover as much as he can. Obuma has mentioned this approximately Lou Dobbs. ""a definite section has somewhat been feeding a sort of xenophobia. There’s a rationalization why hate crimes against Hispanic human beings DOUBLED final year.” Obama left little question who he believes to be the culprits. “in case you have human beings like Lou Dobbs and Rush Limbaugh ginning issues up, it’s no longer spectacular which could take place,” he instructed the group." HMMM double the detest crimes? there became decrease than 10% strengthen in hate crimes against Mexicans and that quantity is actual a reducing based VS the Mexican inhabitants strengthen. So the place is this doubling? Is xenophobia a advantageous thank you to call somebody racist? Does Obama have any kind of knowledge or is he purely taking stabs at conservitives to earnings liberal votes devoid of any draw close of what he's asserting or any data based to pass along with his comments? A resposible POLITIAN could understand the stances of those he speaks. As of suitable now my stance is Obama needs much less high priced hard artwork in the rustic and he would not supply a care in this worldwide to their pay or well being. Now he's a responsable polititian conversing approximately exchange? sounds to me it somewhat is the going status quo to me............

Answer 4

I think that you should do what you want. And although it may be difficult, try to ignore what others think you should do or be. When it comes to ancestry, many of us wish we knew more about where we originated.

There are wonderful things in both of your heritages. Why can't you celebrate both?

Answer 5

You should probably embrace the native american side the most...you will be better off in life...you sound like an intelligent girl...im sure you will be fine...in addition to that, because of your mixed ancestry you are probably fairly attractive...life is better for attractive people

Answer 6

A LOT of us SKINS hold this view.

You ARE or ARE NOT Indian.

There is no room for half measures.

We don't CARE about how much blood you have.
WE DO CARE about weather or not you LIVE your culture and KNOW your people and traditions.

If you LIVE black, then your black.

If you LIVE your tribes traditions, then your a SKIN.

Answer 7

Culture shouldn't be THAT important in society. OK, acknowledge it, but don't obsess over it. You're culture doesn't define you, YOU define you.

Don't tell people your race, let them guess.

Answer 8

embrace both sides and screw what other people think