Uncivilized warriors that are still living in the past.
Groups of people that live on Reservations with only those of the same tribe.
Freeloaders of the government how suffer from alcoholism and drug abuse.
People that use government money and exceptions to own and operate casinos.
http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/07/07/losing-it-with-jillian-toss-the-indian-fry-bread/
Overweight and lazy people that don't have to work for a living.
Based on these 5 artifacts concerning Native Americans one might be led to believe that they are a fat and lazy people. They don't work or have real jobs because the government feels indebted to them for kicking their ancestors out of America. According to this single story, Native Americans are still an uncivilized people living in the past, that can't seem to make it in modern America. They only care about drugs, alcohol, and gambling, and they rely on the hard workers of American to provide the funding for their lives through taxes.
If you were to just view Native Americans as this single story than you would sorely miss out on a group of people that is rich in history and culture. Native Americans have a had a very interesting and difficult history which has resulted in their lives being the way they are now. They may live on Indian reservations, receive government funding, and run casinos, but that is just one aspect of their lives. They have an expansive history and many traditions that make them who they are. It is dangerous to view any group of people from one single perspective.
My home town is located right next to an Indian reservation and they have generated a lot of revenue within the community. I would agree with you that their culture is rich and history expansive, but some of these stereotypes are true. That's not to say that every Native American fits this image, but I have seen/known/worked with many who do.
ReplyDeleteI'd never thought about this!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, all these posts summed up all that I know and think about Native Americans. I really don't have any other perceptions about them. Made me think about needing to improve and not just go off of stereotypes. I need to have experiences with people before judging. them.
ReplyDeleteNative Americans are so misrepresented in our culture. It's sad how much we can cast people out of our society of what is "normal"
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