Images Of Native Americans Essay Research Paper

Images Of Native Americans Essay, Research Paper

Images of Native AmericansThe term “American” brings a lot to the table. It is used to describe such a diverse group of people that differ ethnically, culturally, and economically but are supposed to be looked upon as “one”. One group, that makes this country what it is today, and what it will become in the future. But are we really “one”. In some ways perhaps. But, throughout the short history of the United States the interests of a large number of minorities have been repeatedly overlooked. None more perhaps than the interests of Native Americans. Woman, African Americans and even Hispanic Americans have all seemed to make great strides toward equality in the past 200 years. Native American’s however, seem to have been set aside by the government with a “out of sight, out of mind attitude.” This must change. The interests of this people must no longer be ignored by the masses. It is only then that we can truly look upon this great country as “one”. The issue of race comes up almost daily. Whether it be the O.J. trial or a racial slur that one might overhear in a conversation, race is definitely a hot topic. Why. After 200 years one would think that the people of this country would be able to set aside their notions that people of different races are really that different. Yes, science has proven some physical differences but none that make one inherently better than the other. The problem, as I see it, is that the people of this country choose to look at the problem of racism as something that will never change. Many believe that racism exists and always will, and trying to change will be useless. This is definitely not the case. Look at the tremendous advances the African-Americans have made in the past 200 years. Today there are African Americans in the government, boards of Fortune 500 companies, and top quality universities all over the country. Not bad for a people that only a short time ago were not allowed to learn to read or write. Yes, there are still many issues that must be addressed in regards to the equality of African American but they are making it. The disproportionate amount of African Americans living in poverty stricken slums is less do to racism of today as it is to racism of the past. After all, African Americans have really only had “rights” on par with that of whites since the 1960’s. Changing the economic condition of an entire race in 30 short years is asking a lot. But they most definitely are making it. It will just take time. Racism against Native American is different. It is a topic that does not make the nightly news on a regular bases and is of little concern to most. This attitude amazes me. How can we overlook a race that has been on this continent far longer than anyone else. Native Americans are our history. So why are issues associated with them often put on the back page of the paper or later in a newscast. Because that is the way the government wanted it! They knew there was no possible way that they could ever justify the atrocities that they inflicted upon the Indians long ago. The government simply took there land. There was no debate. Putting Native Americans on reservations was just a way for the government to have a level of control over what they thought were savage people. A wonderful way to thank a race that helped Europeans settlements survive in a harsh new land. Today, although some progress has been made, there is still far to much indifference to the concerns of Native Americans. This was shown in clear view during the 1995 World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Atlanta Braves. Native Americans had a forum in which they knew they would be able to voice their concerns to a large national audience. Finally, there was a chance for a change. What do you suppose would happen if the New York Times ran the headline: ” New York Negros defeated the Chicago Jews 2-1″. Could you imaging the aftermath of such a headline. There would be no more New York Times, I ca guarantee you that. But how does this scenario differ from a headline ” Indians beat Braves”. What is it that makes one offensive and the other not. It is just a blatant disregard for the feelings of Native Americans and it was illustrated even further by the lack of any real coverage by the networks that covered the series. NBC had a two minute interview with the head of the NCRSM (National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media). Only two minutes devoted to an issue that has such a strong meaning to so many people is a slap in the face to all Native Americans. What they are asking for is not something outrageous or something that will cost a zillion dollars to change. They just want their concerns heard. Many people scoff at the notion that a sports team mascot could be offensive. I myself am not offended in the least by the Fighting Irish name and to a point, I sometimes even feel proud to be associated with an ethnic group that is known for its fight and desire. The story of how Notre Dame got this name is one of great debate but it is generally linked to an oppositions sportscaster assessing the play of the football team as ” they are fighting like a bunch of Irishmen!”. How would this be viewed today. I believe many more would take offense. The whole concept of the “Fighting Irish” is demeaning, but it is a concept that has become outdated and has relatively no negative meaning to the casual observer. Most impo