Quote:
Originally Posted by FRPLG
Here's what I don't understand...and I am really trying to "get" this. It seems to me that the term simply is not offensive. It's not used derogatorially on any real basis and it seems when you ask a population of NAs the most dramatic opinion is one of support. There are a few NAs it seems driving this and they don't seem to have any real evidence that the term is offensive nor much real support in their community. Why is this so ignored? My gut tells me this...the term sounds like it SHOULD be offensive. Like a bunch of non-NAs hear the term and just assume "well that's offensive" and then some questionably motivated NA leaders say yes and now the debate is over in their eyes? What happened to discourse? No matter the final disposition this isn't a trivial discussion. An honest debate should be had. The media doesn't seem interested in that.
|
I've said before that most of us, myself included, don't really care about Native Americans. Sure, I hope they can be afforded the best opportunities possible. And it's shameful what's happened to them. But a) their struggles are not top of mind for me ever, and b) (as horrible as it sounds) I'm honestly more fascinated than ashamed of things like the "Trail of Tears" I mean it was a horrible, terrible thing but their historical oppression doesn't make me want to rally for their support.
Likewise, nor does all the current problems NA communities now face-poverty, alcoholism, illiteracy, etc. But they are legit problems.
Anyhow, what I'm getting at is I think if you were to inject most of these NAs, like Ms. Blackhorse, with a truth serum. They would tell you that in reality the name isn't so offensive to them. And it's not really what they care about. But it's an easy way to get their voice heard. And their hope, I believe, is to leverage this cause for further awareness and help for more important needs for their communities.
Unfortunately, like I've said before, I think they'll find that most people who are so concerned about them when it comes to making sure their feelings don't get hurt because of a word that honestly no one truly associates with them, don't and won't care when it comes to other issues plaguing them.
I, for one, won't pretend like I ever cared