Support Native Americans, part 8


[credit to Simon Moya-Smith, Vice magazine]

71. Not all Natives are rich from casinos. (Again: I’m in so much debt.)
72. Don't claim Cherokee if the Cherokee don't claim you.
73. Don’t say “circle the wagons.” That’s racist. Natives weren’t the threat—land- and gold-horny white people were.
74. Dear journalists, stop saying that the Orlando Nightclub Shooting is the “worst massacre in U.S. history.” Look up the Wounded Knee Massacre, Bear River Massacre, Sand Creek Massacre, etc. Headlines should not come at the expense of history.
75. It’s worth remembering that reservations were first established as prison camps, and Hitler was inspired by them. America doesn’t want you to know that one.
76. No, Native Americans are not all drunks. Jeezus. Please stop assuming that.
77. Folks always want to come to a Native community to “learn our ways.” I’m like, “It would be much more helpful if you just check your people.” But if you do visit a reservation, don’t go for self-enlightenment. Go because you genuinely want to learn something.
78. No, you cannot give yourself a “spirit name” at a summer camp. Please stop that.
79. Yeah, the Boy Scouts of America know nothing about being Native. Also, they perpetuate racist behavior, i.e. redface, headdresses, fake Indian names, etc. Don’t allow your kids to participate in the fetishizing of Native cultures and traditions.
80. On that note, painting stripes on your face doesn’t make it “war paint.” Stop doing that and saying that.

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