Lying about culture and race?

Question

I consider myself an african american women. On the other hand my grandmother is half native american. She was an ophan and was disowned by her family because of her being native american and black. It is hard to trace back and frankly I don't wont to because I am bitter. I however have very strong native american features. I don't look african american. Everyone always ask me what race am I. I have a lot of Indian men approaching me and I don't really know what to say. I get offened and just say I am black not acknowledging my native american roots. Am I wrong for that?

Answer 1

No you are not wrong. You should answer with what you feel comfortable with. I will also warn you of the difficulty of tracing Native American heritage. Unless it was put on your Grandmother's Birth certificate it doesn't exist. Natives are given status at birth by the US government that connects them to their tribe. If this was not done and it only states black on her birth certificate then there is no proof and status will never be regained.
I do suggest that if you are interested in your Native Heritage you research the tribe and find contacts within the tribe for information. Most tribes are happy to educate people on their history and culture.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I am sorry to hear that your grandmother was disowned by her family, they were obviously incorrect to access her worth by her racial heritage.

Since you have stated that you are a nurse you may be aware of some of the current genetic research that is being done that is truly beginning to show that all of the races are more closely related that even we have known in the past. It has been proven that there are tribes in Africa that have the same genetic structure and ancestral background as European Jews. Eventually it will be proven that all so-called races are inter-related.

My heritage is Scottish, English and Canadian and I am proud of the fact that my parents choose to come to the United States and become naturalized citizens in order to help their families financially and raise their family here with all of it's freedoms, advantages and opportunities.

I would be proud of whatever racial background that I happened to be, I just believe other things are more important such as being a good person, a good parent and a contributing member of society.

You should be proud of all of your heritage. Your grandmother would be considered to be a Black American, as many of the slaves that were brought to the United States become assimilated into the Native American tribes.

There have been several shows on PBS about this heritage and racial background, and it is part of the history of the United States, although the slavery part is horrible and unfortunate it was a world wide practice at that time. Thank the Blessed Lord we are beyond those beliefs now, for the most part and value all people as part of the human race.

Don't be offended when people are curious about your background, they may think that you look interesting and exotic and are not trying to embarrass you at all.

Is your grandmother ashamed of her racial background because of the way she was mistreated? You should find some information for her about how important the Black Indians are in the background of the United States.

I know that you have children, and this is something that you could discuss with them with pride. Your nine year old that you have spoken (written) about before would most likely be fascinated that her great-grandmother comes from such a proud and vital heritage.

Have a wonderful and blessed day, and be proud of yourself.
That is the best way to walk a good path in life.

Cheers.

Answer 3

Hi. I applaud your willingness to examine your feelings and to seek advice. My opinion is that it's wrong to hold an entire group of people accountable for what a "few bad apples" say or do. I'm certainly not accusing you of doing this, but it does seem like you are. I'm definitely not saying that it isn't understandable to an extent. It can be difficult to see beyond certain characteristics that you associate with people whom have wronged you and/or those you love. But, since you have taken the huge step towards analyzing your feelings and behavior, it appears that you are making an effort to rise above any prejudice that you may feel.

That being said, you have every right to identify with whomever you want. And you don't have to explain your choices to anyone. If you wish to identify yourself as an African American then, by all means, you should do exactly that. I completely understand those who espouse learning and acknowledging each and every part of their lineage. It's a wonderful thing. But it's also only as important as people themselves want it to be. If identifying yourself as an African American is what's important to you then you should be true to yourself and hold onto that. We should all do what we're comfortable with doing and feel no need to give explanations. After all, there's only one person per body and mind.... No one else knows exactly how you feel, and no one else has to live in your skin. At the end of the day, you're the only person who has to live with what you've said and done. Be yourself, offer no explanations, and make no apologies (unless you've wronged someone).

I wish you all the best. ☺

Answer 4

I just call myself black, too. It's too complicated and, frankly, I don't have the time nor feel the need to go into the fact that I've got Polish, African, Native American and God knows who else's blood in me. The labels are getting stupid seriously. If you want to get technical, you'd be more likely to find Osama bin Laden getting a Cherry Slurpee at your 7-Eleven than to find a 100% pure race individual.

Answer 5

Don't get confused. What do you feel comfortable about? What are your beliefs? If you are half native American...what is wrong with that? Have you read your history? Your ancestors had amazing beliefs. You belong to a great civilization which was sadly destroyed by the West. You should read more about it? In the end.....just accept what you believe in.

Answer 6

Since they are the same race as the white, what was the question again? Might have to do with the fact that despite what the law says, they are not allowed good jobs, respect and the right pursue happiness. Also, the police work for the rich, so the rich commit the big crimes and the blacks are harassed for trying to make a living. answered by some crazy white guy

Answer 7

You're not wrong for that at all. In this country, race is probably the single most important aspect of who you are as a person. There are very, very few people of any race in this country who can say that they are purely one race or another. Most just identify with what their physical features show and the culture with which they identify. What you are doing is what our society forces us all to do and you're not wrong for what you are doing. If anything, we are wrong for putting people in situations where they can't claim all of their heritage and are automatically pigeon-holed because we are too ignorant to understand that race as we understand it does not exist.

Answer 8

Since culture is a big part of who a person is, you could always say that yes there is some through your grandmother, but she was not raised in it and you were raised black and consider yourself as such.

Answer 9

Say whatever you wish. I dont think it matters a whole lot do you? I mean really. Get some confidence in yourself and do not ask strangers what you should do with your life. Develop some self esteem. If you want to say you are mixed say it if you want to say you are black say that. Whatever you wish is good for you and good for us all. Who can give you the best advice,,yourself.

Answer 10

You shouldn't deny who you are, whether you like it or not, that's part of who you are. I understand that you feel "betrayed" by what they did to your grandmother, but, that's in the past, and you should forgive and forget. You can't change your past or where you come from, just acnowledge it, and look beyong the paiful past.