Quote:
Originally posted by Lanny_MacDonald+Apr 21 2005, 04:52 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Lanny_MacDonald @ Apr 21 2005, 04:52 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Hakan@Apr 21 2005, 04:23 PM
Newsflash: they are the victim, and there's only so much you can do from this position.
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Bullshinguard. You're a victim only if you want to play a victim. If you're willing to stand up for yourself and take some RESPONSIBILITY then you are not a victim. The majority of natives take a passive role in their own lives and this is why they are in the position they are in. If they would take an active role and assume some responsibility they would be much better off and likely a lot more successful. This garbage of pointing fingers and saying how hard doe by we are is a freakin' joke. Find some backbone. The native culture is so rich in the warrior tradition yet they don't display the character to fight for what is they want and what they see as right. The natives have CHOSEN to play the role they presently do. They can CHOSE to change that any time they wish. [/b][/quote]
With all due respect Lanny, that is a gross oversimplification IMO.
I agree with you that the 'victim' ultimately has to want to change their situation for things to improve. However, sometimes the deck is stacked against you and you can't ignore it.
To suggest that a group of society has the ability to CHOOSE their destiny instantly ignores the path that brought them to their current situation. They (first-nations) ARE hard-done by for many different reasons, no joke.
IMO collectively we as Canadian society do have some soul-searching and realize that our history has a shameful black mark which is still festering today.
I'd like to know what you think OUR role as the 'second-nation' society is TODAY with respect to the situation of the 'first-nations' people.
PS
There is a Canadian book called 'Long Shadows' by Erna Paris
Long Shadows which looks at how different societies have dealt with 'genocide/slavery/systemic racism/apartheit' and I would suggest it to anyone who is interested in this topic.
How did the Germans deal with their WWII history? Facing it head-on
How did the Japanese deal with WWII history? Ignoring it (look at the current situation today)?
How has the USA dealt with its slavery past? Stay tuned (did you know there is NO national monument to slaves in the US)?
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