Schools Displaying Racial Mascots by State
Hello,
I just got my science degree. I have always loved all things Native and would like find a job helping your people. I have heard that alcoholism and suicide runs rampant on the reserves. I have a lot of good ideas Does anyone know of any job openings? I have always been interested in helping others and the native americans are people who I feel have been wronged and would like to help them whatever way I can.
Thanks
Signed
M W A Helpful Person
Response:A very similar scenario was presented to a Native list in October of 1996. The paraphrased subsequent discussion from these two offers follow.
I have heard that Western scientists are forever changing their minds..since this is a very unhealthy situation, presenting no stability .I would like to offer my services as consultant.I have always been interested in helping people. Does anyone know of any job openings?
Signed
Ish
The result of this offer and counteroffer was illuminating. The non Native list participants, as well as many of the Native participants were offended that an offer of help would be met with ridicule. When it was explained that this was indeed a serious offer and not ridicule, only one of the Native people on the list took the counter offer seriously..the thought did not register that the old culture had anything to offer the scientific community. This bias in favor of western science is instilled by educational programs so subtly that the result is a bias just outside awareness against one's own culture..
The responses tended to follow either an *educate them* and they will know where help is needed in the present, or straighten out these issues from the past and all will be well and good. The countering retort: *get over the past..why are you teaching hate?*
This bias mires both cultures in misunderstandings..as the dominant culture offers what it sees as solutions, and the First Nations people often feel diminished by the offers...WHY? Because this entire exchange ignores the value of the Native Culture.
It hurts my heart that for the most part neither side realized that the unchangeable truth taught by the generations before us, to us, is the only self validating perspective for a First Nation's person.
