[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by The Unabomber

How so, please explain that to me. You seem to be saying that everytime you see a Native person he/she is drunk, i call that racism and you deny being racist.

Actually, I made no such comment. I asked a question that had a point. The point, was that many people see more of the drunks than they do the sober natives. That forms perceptions. Those perceptions define reality for people, and reality is what you want to change.

You are complaining that people view natives with very negative stereotypes. I am supplying a possible explanation for it.

You then say that they need to come off the reserves in order to change the perception others have of them, i'm telling you that not everyone has the same perception of a Native person as you do. Would you agree so far?

Actually, I say that they need to come off the reserves in order to improve their own lives, that of their families, and that of their children and grandchildren. Helping to change overall perceptions of natives is a side benefit.

So i'm telling you that maybe the change has to start with people like you, who see's only what they want to see or what they are told to see. I grew up next to a reserve in Calgary, played hockey with many natives and some liked to drink, some didn't, very similar to my friends of other races. Are you following along?

Changing my perception will not motivate a person without motivation. I work with somoene who is 1/2 native, and one of my best friends is married to a guy who is 1/4 native. Wanna know what they have in common? Their parents and grandparents chose to go out into society and make something of their lives. As a result, they have as well.

I'm not agreeing with you as the way that you portray yourself to me by what you have written is hardly something that i would even mildly agree with. You can say that what your saying isn't racist, it's the facts, but i will disagree with you while you continue to beleive it.

You have stereotyped Natives as being drunks, i haven't. Do you see me agreeing with you?

You are agreeing with me that people view their perceptions as truth. Further, you took one comment and created an entire myth surrounding my beliefs and character based on stereotypes and assumptions. In the process, you have become what you are fighting in this thread.

You are allowing your flawed perception to shape your reality.

Perhaps you need to change as well, my friend.