Native Americans

[JenRN]

I have ALWAYS been interested in the culture of Native Americans. I am familiar with the Cherokee, Iriqious, and Navajo. Are any of you familiar with them and thier culture? I have a really good friend who is Cherokee and we talk about things all the time and I love to learn from her. One question I would like to put out there (not to start controversy PLEASE) but a serious discussion. Why is it that when we think of racism we 90% of people automatically think of white against blacks? Is it not the Indians that were here first? We took Thier land and enslaved THEM just as bad, but we don't hear about it still so many years later. Do you think that it is thier beliefs and "humble" ways that makes them be more silent about this awful past they also had to endure? I remember so vividly when I was 16 traveling from Canada back to the states and the highways was blocked off, and all you could see was HUGE bonfires in the middle of the road. Here it was the local native americans protesting the taxes on the cigerettes being sold on the reservation. It was something that I will never forget. When I was in Alaska I bonded with a local man in Juneau who was a "native american" from that area, I learned so much from him. I am just curious as to what you think about this topic, and to know if anyone else out there is as interested in the culture as I am. They look at things from such a different perspective, so much respect for the land and so spiritual.

[Jez]

Very interesting topic. I wish I had answers for you, but I don't. I hope that someone here has some more insight.
When I was younger and went camping with my parents, we made frequent trips to yosemite and yellowstone where I learned some things about native americans, but sadly, I don't remember most of the info, except for how they would use the sides of glacier formed mountains as mortars for crushing grains and such. We used to pick up arrowheads along the paths...I was always fascinated with them.

[marlsy]

hey you ever notice when you ask someone their nationality most always say a little of Indian and they seem so proud of it?? LOL

Well I have a lil Sue indian in me!! :lol: my grandfather was full, unfortunatly I took after my English heritage. I'm pale and butt white!! :mad: I would love to have my grandfathers skin color. In that movie Bowling for Columbine they show a small part where the whites come and scare and kill the Indians with their GUNS. It's a good movie about how gun happy america is. Not that that has anything to do with your topic Jen! Native americans seem to stick with each other and stay on the reservations and run the casinos here in California. With other races they are more intertwined with society I think.

[Torn Signs]

I have Cherokee in my background. I can agree that what happened to them is wrong, but I also look at society as being part of it. I mean look at how the U.S. and society pushes so many other things. Drugs, being skinnny, SEX, a life of bein' rich and greedy. I know drugs aren't not enforced, but they r still a huge part. Now can u blame the Natives for gettin' stuck that way? Heck no, but u can blame society if u have to blame something. Americans are forced to live a certain way even if the US supposedly has freedom and that's b/c a lot of humans have slowly made society what it is. The Trail of Tears also happened b/c a lot of times humans are insecure and they do stupid things. A lot of times they don't think and a lot of times they hurt people. That is enough for now cuz otherwise I'll keep rambling... ;)

[ZION1010]

Yea They Do In fact Hurt People but Neverthless...Everything Happens for A Reason...But Sometimes You Gotta Push Pain And Pride Aside....And Do What you Got To do...I Also Have A Chrokee Back Ground As Well....Im Often Get Mistaken For Being One....But It Goes Back To My Ansisters...I Also Have A Lot Of Diffrent backgrounds.....But Indians Our Blessed People They Have Been Given Gods Gift Of.....Being Close To The Spirt Of Nature

[facelessman]

ive always been intriqued by their culture

[JenRN]

I spent a small amount of time on the reservation with my friend when I was little, I was facinated by it even that young. I remember feeling so much peace and unity. I just wanted to hear others perspective of this, or if anyone has experienced anything similiar. Like I have said so many times before I feel in love with Alaska and talking to that "native" made is so much more clear why I love it so much!

[Sheila63]

I've always been interested in Native American culture too. I would love to learn more. You're right, Jen, we tend to forget what happened to Native Americans when the topic of discrimination comes up. Maybe it is their "quiet" ways and their beliefs. When I think of them, I see them as being peaceful, spiritual people who love and respect the land. I'm a big nature lover as well and can relate to and appreciate that feeling.

[JenRN]

I mean if you really want to get technical LOTS of people are discriminated against. But Native Americans REALLY had it bad for so long, and you don't hear them whinning about it still. For cripes sake people came here and literally took thier land from them and enslaved them on thier own land. I think it is a lot of "thier beliefs" to not make such a big deal of it. They are mysterious sometimes and that draws me in, they always are so humble and WISE!

[Sheila63]

I know exactly what you mean, Jen. I've always felt that about them too. I would love to have been with you in Alaska when you talked to the Native American there. It must have been so interesting.:)

[JenRN]

It was Sheila, really interesting. I wish I would of got his address now:(

[Sheila63]

Yeah, that would have been great to keep in touch with him. I think I'm going to look into learning more about the culture. Do you have any good resources of information, Jen?

[JenRN]

I have a lot of books about them, but I guess searching the net would be just as good :dunno:

[Sheila63]

Great, I was thinking about doing that but I might check out the book stores too.

[JenRN]

Sheila..... this current avatar is art work from a woman in Alaska in a tribe outside Juneau. She has such cool stuff!:D

[Sheila63]

I was going to ask you about it. I LOVE it!! It's very cool.:)

[JulieCitySlicker]

This is a very cool topic Jen:P Very interesting:)

[JenRN]

It has ALWAYS had my interest:D

[Mulletman]

i come from Aztec background, if that counts.

ive never been to a reservation here in the states. but i have been to the pryamids

[JenRN]

Originally posted by Mulletman
i come from Aztec background, if that counts.

ive never been to a reservation here in the states. but i have been to the pryamids
Cool.... what pyramids? I was at Chitzen Itza (sp) and Tulum in Mexico VERY CCOL!!!!!

[Mulletman]

the sun pyramid in Teotihuacan

[JenRN]

Cool Mullet, do you have any pics to share?:D

[Mulletman]

probably... id have to search