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I think while both definitely got a very short stick compared to the white settlers, the clear loser of them all was the Indians.
Slavery is horrible, and we should be ashamed as a nation of allowing it, but it's not as bad as genocide. When you're enslaved, you can still hope to be freed, sing, have a family, enjoy nature, and know you'll have a legacy (which blacks do in this country and Native Americans don't).
The Indians were basically exterminated like rodents. Could you imagine strangers from another continent telling you your way of life sucked, and you had to believe in their God, and follow their lifestyle, or die? If you DID do this, you still might die. White people embraced African American culture, and it's strong to this day, especially in music where it DOMINATES outside of rock. What do the Indians have? Place names? Casinos? Chapters in history books? That's about it. They're foreigners in their own land to people who are themselves foreigners from the other half of the world.
The only reason blacks are seen as being more oppressed is because they lived to tell about their plight. The Native Americans don't even get that privilege.
I probably posted earlier, but I think the question is really atrocious.
Who had it worse under the Nazis, the Gypsies or the Jews?
Who had it worse, Sharon Tate or the LaBiancas?
Who had it worse, those executed by gas or those killed by the electric chair?
Both were treated according to backward views on godliness and civilization. Both suffered tremendously. THe legacy of treatment still lives. Within both communities, there are numerous success stories of those who have "risen above," of enduring pain, and manifestations of the culture of victimology. Both communities have had billions thrown at them, albeit in different manners. The majority of both groups live in America's poorest zip codes. Both groups dominate the ranks of the impoverished. Both are victims of White terrorism of the past and of White liberal guilt of the present.
Both groups are undeniably part of the heart and soul of the American experience and psyche.
Ok it was sad for both, move on this is 2009 do not need to dredge things up from the past, when so much is going on here in 2009 that we have to worry about. Worry about today, not the past!
It is perfectly acceptable to discuss history; people dedicate their lives to its study. We don't have to focus on contemporary events 100% of the time; this isn't a zero-sum game.
That being said, discussions about the former treatment of African Americans and Native Americans is relevant to current issues (though attempting to rank who had it worse is repugnant and not a legitimate discussion to be having). This is because the historical treatment of these groups has enormous implications for their place and situation in society today; what was done to them yesterday helped to determine where they are today. As such, it's good to discuss the implications of their historical treatment.
A historical examination of both will no doubt conclude that each party was heavily oppressed. The reason it's important to talk about is because in today's world, Native Americans have recieved little to no legal compensation or representation. The sad truth is that without serious action their culture will dissappear completely.
I think while both definitely got a very short stick compared to the white settlers, the clear loser of them all was the Indians.
Slavery is horrible, and we should be ashamed as a nation of allowing it, but it's not as bad as genocide. When you're enslaved, you can still hope to be freed, sing, have a family, enjoy nature, and know you'll have a legacy (which blacks do in this country and Native Americans don't).
The Indians were basically exterminated like rodents. Could you imagine strangers from another continent telling you your way of life sucked, and you had to believe in their God, and follow their lifestyle, or die? If you DID do this, you still might die. White people embraced African American culture, and it's strong to this day, especially in music where it DOMINATES outside of rock. What do the Indians have? Place names? Casinos? Chapters in history books? That's about it. They're foreigners in their own land to people who are themselves foreigners from the other half of the world.
The only reason blacks are seen as being more oppressed is because they lived to tell about their plight. The Native Americans don't even get that privilege.
Wow, somebody has been drinking a little too much fire water tonight.......did you just get in a fight with a black man or what?
You might want to do a little homework in reality based history............ there was no genocide, the indians were not exterminated.
Wow, somebody has been drinking a little too much fire water tonight.......did you just get in a fight with a black man or what?
You might want to do a little homework in reality based history............ there was no genocide, the indians were not exterminated.
You might want to read these articles before setting that statement in marble.
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