From what I have come to understand, racism is more often a deliberate act. Particularly, in a society that has constructed various systems that enhance and promote racism, there actually exists a consciousness that knows that such a system is advantageous for some while all the while pulling down others. It is the subversive status quo, which lingers and lives by the power of the people. Men have always constructed advantages for themselves, but it is exploiting other people that has done the most damage. To first exploit people they have to be placed in an disadvantageous position. There are two things that can justify certain (racial) things, one is to get lots of people doing what you are doing, the other is to make it a part of life, a cultural act if you will. At this point we can certainly say advantage and culture can go hand in hand. What exactly makes people prejudice of others, it seems to be distinctions, even though they are part and parcel to life, nevertheless they are often used to divide people: sadly in a capitalist society, the next thing would be to put the groups into a system of hierarchy. In other words, the group that is considered better is then placed over others: moreover, it would certainly be easier if one group is placed in the most negative/disadvantageous position: furthermore based on a constructed hierarchy it then becomes a construct to distribute various things via the lest to best. You would think in a democratic society, people would be allowed to develop and then compete equally. However after trying to implement such an democratic ideal, unfortunately you realize that there are lots of constructed things that give certain people advantages.
This brings me to oppression, there are many systems that give others advantages over others, life has no shortage of constructed systems which can oppress. However we can say, if I had a system that gave me an advantage, I would more than likely be willing to keep it in place. Many have did just that, moreover, by keeping such system in place sadly it usually comes about by whatever means possible. It becomes very contentious issue as some try to keep the constructed status quo. If I recognize that the system is oppressively based, I for one thing can exploit the oppressed within that very system. Justice is then denied. People are pretty deliberate when acting to oppress others, especially if such a system is readily available to them: the other thing is it becomes entrenched in an acceptable system. Thus it becomes almost justifiable, based on tradition, culture or whatever you may have.
There are two examples of racism being a constructed thing. I have had children grow up, and they grew up pretty normal. They interacted with various people, however later on, it becomes obvious that as soon as the kids realized that they lived in a racial society, they took on different identities.
Then there are public schools verses community schools. In a public school, that specifically caters to a segregated community, which moreover is often predominately white, the lines become pretty obvious. It seems people make a choice to be openly segregated, and they draw lines based on obvious distinctions. Whereas in a community school where there is a mixture of people, the lines of distinction are not as obvious: probably because the later school practices the ethics of multiculturalism. It is here that the obvious can be said, that race and racism are a deliberate construct. Moreover the opposite can also be said to be true where race can play a very insignificant part in a school system. If this is all true, than the onus is for us to be more responsible, because we can obviously dictate what our society shall become.
Why is racism a problem? It is often guided by hate, it is certainly an oppressive system. No person is immune to the scourges of hate, in fact recognizing oppression is also a burden in itself. We may feel we are strong people, but hate/oppression will sneak in and do damage to our psyche. I for one never felt that racism effected me, but there it was being an oppressor. I relished the time when people could identify with my oppression. Men can oppress women, though unknowingly, however like any oppression people need to be educated. Certainly it is the truth that sets you free, but how do we end up being so entangled? When we use oppression to launch our own frustration and hate.
There comes a time when it becomes so burdensome, so tiring and we must ask is there any hope for new things? As I spoke of my oppression, it was like submitting to the pain that I carried, and by telling someone who came from the oppressors it seemed to be so liberating. I thought that people’s ignorance made them so guilty, that they were part of the oppressors. Then I realized, not all people understand and this allows them to be excused. In fact, they actually wanted to learn and listen, it certainly takes special people to go beyond themselves, but that is precisely what we need. We need great individuals to rise above the majority, to face oppression in its face. If we can help any oppressed person then we are certainly good stewards of each other’s well-being. Today I realize I can not take up the same fight, and that my own heart is more important. That my feelings, must be kept in check. If we give in and fight, the oppressor gets an advantage. There are lots of oppressed people out there, but for one thing we need them to be in control of their emotions. Certainly every smoldering flame of anger, lights the fire of hate. Love is the only answer, because it is the water that cools the soul.
See Video for racism in action......
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Steps in the right direction
Along with this respect, we need a little self-control and forgiveness. Forgiveness, in that no matter where we come from and regardless of our background we sill have to consider forgiveness. How we have been wronged should not dictate our solutions. Being resentful and angry hinders our redress. I really think our plight is sinking in, and the onus is on action and self-control: The latter being the Native position/perspective. Action has to take place, forgive me for being persistant, but indifferance up till now has been conventional. Today it is about people not wanting to touch the"Indian problem" for fear of losing votes. Moreover, when it comes to concerns it will always be about what-concerns-me, in that case problems outside of your own immediacy will persist. What happened to posterity? Shall we wait till demographics change or will good men and women rise despite the tide? If indifference continues in how we deal with our First Nations, then maybe the answer lies in allowing them some independance. Let's move beyond our own gratification, or utilitarianism, let us have some lasting "happiness," happiness beyond ourselves.
Just a few things to ponder.
Just a few things to ponder.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Respect
Giving due
Following all the hub bub, there seems to be so much justified complaining. But complaining is just that complaining, clearly an end in itself. No matter how vindicated we may feel as Native people, yet it is still up to us to show some respect, and moreover, uplift authority. Our government is in that position, and regardless of what we think and feel, they deserve our utmost respect. I know as native people we can forget the very thing that is so important, especially because of our hurts, pains and frustrations.
Our world, country for that matter, needs order and it will never come if we overlook authority. Rendering the respect, uplifts all of us. My personal appologies, for I certainly do not want to be just a complainer.
So before I put the cart ahead of the horse, I think we still have to be respectful. Ego is something you can control, but you do not want to encourage stupidity, and that would be to approach our governemt without the proper respect.
Sure we have a complaint, but we should also know we need to create a respectful environment. Our country needs nothing but the best ways, especially dealing with our candid issues.
Respect is certainly due any authority. And there is no reason we can not do what is so naturally required of us.
( just a little balancing, and introspection)
Regards
Following all the hub bub, there seems to be so much justified complaining. But complaining is just that complaining, clearly an end in itself. No matter how vindicated we may feel as Native people, yet it is still up to us to show some respect, and moreover, uplift authority. Our government is in that position, and regardless of what we think and feel, they deserve our utmost respect. I know as native people we can forget the very thing that is so important, especially because of our hurts, pains and frustrations.
Our world, country for that matter, needs order and it will never come if we overlook authority. Rendering the respect, uplifts all of us. My personal appologies, for I certainly do not want to be just a complainer.
So before I put the cart ahead of the horse, I think we still have to be respectful. Ego is something you can control, but you do not want to encourage stupidity, and that would be to approach our governemt without the proper respect.
Sure we have a complaint, but we should also know we need to create a respectful environment. Our country needs nothing but the best ways, especially dealing with our candid issues.
Respect is certainly due any authority. And there is no reason we can not do what is so naturally required of us.
( just a little balancing, and introspection)
Regards
Saturday, September 15, 2007
The United Nation's issue regarding Indigenous People
Part 1
Oh! Canada: roadblocks to glory
The Canadian song goes on to say, "our home and Native land." Native land, has always been an issue, toNatives/First Nations and the government. Land is vital for any Nation, it stands for a homeland,it gives people that firm foundation if you will. All nations that build tend to need land and its resources.Canada's First Nations are in the process of nation-building. A group of people (First Nations people)who were originally debased, lacking any foundation whatsoever, and now on the threshold of new beginnings,who is setting up the roadblocks now?
Autonomy is the road of all Nations, it is what makes people strong. Native people would do more for themselves if they took the proverbial reins. In that case who then has the reins?
When a person grows up, it is their parents that hold the essential moral agency position: but the time comes when the children have to be more independant. The good parent will see that their child's independance works in their favor and becomes their strength. It is not about losing power, but gaining allies: And becoming that "community of communities," that we so despartely need.
Let all fears be allayed, that First Nations want to tear down Canada. For one thing this is our Canada just as much as anybody else. The Quebec Cree made it clear that they will not leave Canada. On has to ask, How do you leave your home?
Now having said all that, Canada's position with its First Nations is anachronistic, it was certainly for another time. So, today in all maturity it is time to let those reins go, and to encourage a little independance, it is time to stop such dominance/colonialism, and see that First Nations strength will be Canada's strength.
The reason for this blurb is that I feel disappointed that the presiding government has taken such an unwarranted position against its First Nations. Nations need land, resources, if they are refused then who is creating such an unnatural and dependant relationship. Normally, such a circumstance would be quickly frowned on.
But unfortunately there is a degree of control and powermongering when it comes to our First Nations, and moreover anyone who does not concur is missing an integral part of understanding First Nations people. That has to change, standing against the worlds position, does not take us on the progressive road. Is it about keeping that dominance, or is it about putting lop-sided economics over the well-being of our fellow countrymen? I Hope Not! I recall, a historical incident, that went like this, refferring to the treaty and how the Queen was going to look after her red children; one person said, that she must be pretty rich. My paraphrase, would go like this, he was shocked that the Queen would put herself in a position to look after all the native people and their coming generations: Either that was one exemplary foot-in-the-mouth situation or there was no real honest effort, thus the good faith was certainly not operaable.
Native people did not say, I want to be in a helpless and dependant position, if a person is helpless they will certainly need lots of help. The ground-up kind of help, and the longer we put that off, the deeper will become the pit of needs. I think it is time to start, by putting a stop to blind ignorance, when it comes to our First Nations. That whole thing about pointing the finger without the facts, only perpetuates a problem. The UN declaration took more than 20 yrs to develop, in that case there was plenty of time to debate and question.
Why should one people, look on while others enjoy liberation? Why can't they have the mechanisms and tools to become a strong nation?
I have to understand, why, of all things, positive efforts for Indigenous people can be deffered?
But before I take a psychoanalysis approach, I would like to believe that our government is holding out for a better alternative. That maybe all good things take time.
I held back when it came to the Kelowa Accord, thinking their was more to it than just opposing First Nations. Its pretty perplexing, to see the helping-hand pulled back with no explanation, and now today world efforts to encourage progress have now been opposed. How long does a person have to scratch their head before they say something. Native people have always been dealt with, via the high-handed approach. Moreover, you certainly do not want to perpetually think in the same vein, and thus there is room for something, anything.
Obviously, this is now creates a circumstance for debate and communication. It certainly can not be a time to tuck away our First Nations from the rest of society.
It is a problem that will not go away, and until all the chips are on the table, only then will we have a circumstance that will create an honest effort. The quick fix days should not suffice, give this issue to those who are willing to make an honest and lasting effort.
Man has tackled some difficult circumstancesand there is no reason we do not have the same capabilities, today.
May great men rise and lead our country to better days.
Part 2
Yahoo!
Reading that the declaration in the UN was passed, begins a new era. There is more than one way to forward justice. Being a Christian, lets you know and hope that there is a way out of oppression, and sujugation. That there is a greater thing than just man-made circumstances. That even the greatest and strongest will bow down to the will of God. God is for justice: He is for lifting up those who are cast down. That is pretty awesome, can we all say a big AMEN!
Native people will not tear down society, it will be injustice. Plainly put, the more you have, the more is expexted of you. Bring that into conventional wisdom.
Here is a small com[pliation of those injustices: Canada is a supposed Democracy, democracy says that we have the right to complain about our government, and that we can chose another. Moreso, I would think if that government's initiatives border on control. (eg the Indian Act) Native people did not construct the Indian Act, and certainly any "people(s)" have to have a part in the chosing and making of their government, it is the democratic way.
Prairie life: Canada has alway been about getting help from the government. This country was put together, by government initiatives, medi-care, CPR ect, ect. Government policy has been about helping the have-nots, example-equalization. Prairie people should know how it is to scrap up from the bottom. That is what makes them unique. 1930 was when they (The Prairie Provinces) finally had access to their own resources. Hey! no resources, could that put you on the path of growing poverty. Tranfer funds who may I ask does not get that needed help?
I am starting to think that being in such a circumstance people would develope a little problem with their pschy. Lacking a little ego - or maybe we think we got everything by the sweat of our brow, never mind by the backs of anybody. The problem is, as I see it, how can any Prairie person turn arround and do things that might suggest otherwise. Like putting down people in simular circumstances, like being so intolerant will that not go against your deep character? "Sadness is the great partner of happiness:" Seeing all that the prairie people have had to go through, and that part of their rising happiness is a direct link to those troubles.
Native people need help. like any needy person, or does help only go to those who are like us? Who then creates those divisions and distinctions. When in fact, are not all people created equal? Can you see the injustice, now?
I want to go on, and go into another area, that will wait for another time.
Part 3
UN ARTICLE
Firstly, regarding this article, how does such an important issue find itself on the last page. Yet weeks ago there wasa article on the klan on the front page. I hope this does not reflect a bias and indifferent attitude which seems tobe conventional wisdom when it comes to our First Nations.
(Story found at: http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/national/story.html?id=23df9769-3423-4f43-b828-a755725c2719&k=23677
Saying the UN is about only the Indigenous, is to sadly assume that the collectivity of humanity is not considered. When in fact the well-being of our indigenous people means the well-being of all. The Un is about development and as far as I can see the indigenous people are the only ones yet to develop in many needed areas. It is not about injustice in terms of equality, as the liberal ideology would have us beleive, but about taking steps in ratifying past indiscretions. If we really and firmly believed in equality, we would consider all times and circumstances: because moreover those past acts of inequality still effect things today. So how we can just jump on the "Equality" liberal-bandwagon without considering past affecting circumstances, is beyond me. No wonder why we are so divided.
It is our responsibility to become informed on how we arrived at where we are today.
Lastly, it seems ironic that Strahl would use the all encompassing "you need to consider the people who also lived on those lands" It seems to me native people have always had that position, the reason being, they have always been excluded.I am thinking that if we are to get anything out of this issue, we should realise it is certainly not good being excluded.
In totality, Steven Edwards Sept. 14th article on the United Nations is a good one.
Oh! Canada: roadblocks to glory
The Canadian song goes on to say, "our home and Native land." Native land, has always been an issue, toNatives/First Nations and the government. Land is vital for any Nation, it stands for a homeland,it gives people that firm foundation if you will. All nations that build tend to need land and its resources.Canada's First Nations are in the process of nation-building. A group of people (First Nations people)who were originally debased, lacking any foundation whatsoever, and now on the threshold of new beginnings,who is setting up the roadblocks now?
Autonomy is the road of all Nations, it is what makes people strong. Native people would do more for themselves if they took the proverbial reins. In that case who then has the reins?
When a person grows up, it is their parents that hold the essential moral agency position: but the time comes when the children have to be more independant. The good parent will see that their child's independance works in their favor and becomes their strength. It is not about losing power, but gaining allies: And becoming that "community of communities," that we so despartely need.
Let all fears be allayed, that First Nations want to tear down Canada. For one thing this is our Canada just as much as anybody else. The Quebec Cree made it clear that they will not leave Canada. On has to ask, How do you leave your home?
Now having said all that, Canada's position with its First Nations is anachronistic, it was certainly for another time. So, today in all maturity it is time to let those reins go, and to encourage a little independance, it is time to stop such dominance/colonialism, and see that First Nations strength will be Canada's strength.
The reason for this blurb is that I feel disappointed that the presiding government has taken such an unwarranted position against its First Nations. Nations need land, resources, if they are refused then who is creating such an unnatural and dependant relationship. Normally, such a circumstance would be quickly frowned on.
But unfortunately there is a degree of control and powermongering when it comes to our First Nations, and moreover anyone who does not concur is missing an integral part of understanding First Nations people. That has to change, standing against the worlds position, does not take us on the progressive road. Is it about keeping that dominance, or is it about putting lop-sided economics over the well-being of our fellow countrymen? I Hope Not! I recall, a historical incident, that went like this, refferring to the treaty and how the Queen was going to look after her red children; one person said, that she must be pretty rich. My paraphrase, would go like this, he was shocked that the Queen would put herself in a position to look after all the native people and their coming generations: Either that was one exemplary foot-in-the-mouth situation or there was no real honest effort, thus the good faith was certainly not operaable.
Native people did not say, I want to be in a helpless and dependant position, if a person is helpless they will certainly need lots of help. The ground-up kind of help, and the longer we put that off, the deeper will become the pit of needs. I think it is time to start, by putting a stop to blind ignorance, when it comes to our First Nations. That whole thing about pointing the finger without the facts, only perpetuates a problem. The UN declaration took more than 20 yrs to develop, in that case there was plenty of time to debate and question.
Why should one people, look on while others enjoy liberation? Why can't they have the mechanisms and tools to become a strong nation?
I have to understand, why, of all things, positive efforts for Indigenous people can be deffered?
But before I take a psychoanalysis approach, I would like to believe that our government is holding out for a better alternative. That maybe all good things take time.
I held back when it came to the Kelowa Accord, thinking their was more to it than just opposing First Nations. Its pretty perplexing, to see the helping-hand pulled back with no explanation, and now today world efforts to encourage progress have now been opposed. How long does a person have to scratch their head before they say something. Native people have always been dealt with, via the high-handed approach. Moreover, you certainly do not want to perpetually think in the same vein, and thus there is room for something, anything.
Obviously, this is now creates a circumstance for debate and communication. It certainly can not be a time to tuck away our First Nations from the rest of society.
It is a problem that will not go away, and until all the chips are on the table, only then will we have a circumstance that will create an honest effort. The quick fix days should not suffice, give this issue to those who are willing to make an honest and lasting effort.
Man has tackled some difficult circumstancesand there is no reason we do not have the same capabilities, today.
May great men rise and lead our country to better days.
Part 2
Yahoo!
Reading that the declaration in the UN was passed, begins a new era. There is more than one way to forward justice. Being a Christian, lets you know and hope that there is a way out of oppression, and sujugation. That there is a greater thing than just man-made circumstances. That even the greatest and strongest will bow down to the will of God. God is for justice: He is for lifting up those who are cast down. That is pretty awesome, can we all say a big AMEN!
Native people will not tear down society, it will be injustice. Plainly put, the more you have, the more is expexted of you. Bring that into conventional wisdom.
Here is a small com[pliation of those injustices: Canada is a supposed Democracy, democracy says that we have the right to complain about our government, and that we can chose another. Moreso, I would think if that government's initiatives border on control. (eg the Indian Act) Native people did not construct the Indian Act, and certainly any "people(s)" have to have a part in the chosing and making of their government, it is the democratic way.
Prairie life: Canada has alway been about getting help from the government. This country was put together, by government initiatives, medi-care, CPR ect, ect. Government policy has been about helping the have-nots, example-equalization. Prairie people should know how it is to scrap up from the bottom. That is what makes them unique. 1930 was when they (The Prairie Provinces) finally had access to their own resources. Hey! no resources, could that put you on the path of growing poverty. Tranfer funds who may I ask does not get that needed help?
I am starting to think that being in such a circumstance people would develope a little problem with their pschy. Lacking a little ego - or maybe we think we got everything by the sweat of our brow, never mind by the backs of anybody. The problem is, as I see it, how can any Prairie person turn arround and do things that might suggest otherwise. Like putting down people in simular circumstances, like being so intolerant will that not go against your deep character? "Sadness is the great partner of happiness:" Seeing all that the prairie people have had to go through, and that part of their rising happiness is a direct link to those troubles.
Native people need help. like any needy person, or does help only go to those who are like us? Who then creates those divisions and distinctions. When in fact, are not all people created equal? Can you see the injustice, now?
I want to go on, and go into another area, that will wait for another time.
Part 3
UN ARTICLE
Firstly, regarding this article, how does such an important issue find itself on the last page. Yet weeks ago there wasa article on the klan on the front page. I hope this does not reflect a bias and indifferent attitude which seems tobe conventional wisdom when it comes to our First Nations.
(Story found at: http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/national/story.html?id=23df9769-3423-4f43-b828-a755725c2719&k=23677
Saying the UN is about only the Indigenous, is to sadly assume that the collectivity of humanity is not considered. When in fact the well-being of our indigenous people means the well-being of all. The Un is about development and as far as I can see the indigenous people are the only ones yet to develop in many needed areas. It is not about injustice in terms of equality, as the liberal ideology would have us beleive, but about taking steps in ratifying past indiscretions. If we really and firmly believed in equality, we would consider all times and circumstances: because moreover those past acts of inequality still effect things today. So how we can just jump on the "Equality" liberal-bandwagon without considering past affecting circumstances, is beyond me. No wonder why we are so divided.
It is our responsibility to become informed on how we arrived at where we are today.
Lastly, it seems ironic that Strahl would use the all encompassing "you need to consider the people who also lived on those lands" It seems to me native people have always had that position, the reason being, they have always been excluded.I am thinking that if we are to get anything out of this issue, we should realise it is certainly not good being excluded.
In totality, Steven Edwards Sept. 14th article on the United Nations is a good one.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Sharing the light
Greetings
It has been almost one year, (Since I wrote a blog) I am back in school, struggling to finish what is turning out to be my last classes. As a returning mature student, indigeous at that, it has proven to be something that I have managed, even though I originally thought I could not do it. My marks in high school were not remarkable, so University seemed to be a step up. I have gained so much, by way of knowledge and being encouraged that my thoughts are pretty well in sync with coventional Indian wisdom. Hopefully I have zig zaged my way through life enough to give others a chance to avoid the pitfalls. Maybe they can now jump to the end of the tunnel, and present the picture of light for so many. But part of being in the dark is to get alittle light happening. Hopefully that light is our gained knowledge. Native people have certainly come a long way, and may we continue to gain and share and develope in the most positive way.
Ekosi
It has been almost one year, (Since I wrote a blog) I am back in school, struggling to finish what is turning out to be my last classes. As a returning mature student, indigeous at that, it has proven to be something that I have managed, even though I originally thought I could not do it. My marks in high school were not remarkable, so University seemed to be a step up. I have gained so much, by way of knowledge and being encouraged that my thoughts are pretty well in sync with coventional Indian wisdom. Hopefully I have zig zaged my way through life enough to give others a chance to avoid the pitfalls. Maybe they can now jump to the end of the tunnel, and present the picture of light for so many. But part of being in the dark is to get alittle light happening. Hopefully that light is our gained knowledge. Native people have certainly come a long way, and may we continue to gain and share and develope in the most positive way.
Ekosi
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