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loveternal (deleted)
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`I think parenting plays a huge role concerning what happens to a child, especially when it has two or more cultures. Its the parents' responsibility to help that child realize it has more than one culture to learn to live with both them rather than choose one over the other. To say that a "mixed" child will have an identity crisis absolutely is more the fault of ineffective parenting, than it is a biological one.
The fact that a native can have a blood transfusion with a non-native because they have the same blood type is proof enough that blood is not native. And when that happens, is he less native because of that? I do not think so. I think it is amazing that with over 7.5 billion people on this planet there are basically only 4 main blood types.
Just because a child is "less" native does not mean that child is more insignificant than one who is "full" native. I dont think any emotionally and mentally balanced parent could look at their half native child and say to it that it is not good enough just because it is only half. If so, that is a racist parent.
Identity is more than just DNA, its emotional well-being, as well as it is influenced by both nature and nurture. Look at the reservations where you see "full" blood natives trying to be all gangsta inner city African-American, throwing up gang signs and talking all macho, disrespecting women, physically abusing their grandparents. That is an identity crisis among "full" blood natives. It has nothing to do with "blood migration", but everything to do with ineffective parenting by parents who are also "full" blood.
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chosnazzy (deleted)
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Those are some really good points Loveternal. Also, when it comes to being Native, I think a really big factor is whether you are fluent in your Native language or not. Every language contains its own cultural perspective on life. And I know for a fact, that most "full" blood Native children cannot speak their Native language. They only speak English. They might know some phrases and songs, and maybe even a prayer in their language. But they cannot carry a full conversation. So their outlook on life is based on what they have experienced. And so that has to do with nurture. And without their Native language, even though they are "full" bloods, they do not have the perspective of their ancestors because their ancestors did not speak English. So I think a huge part of the identity crisis lies in not being able to speak their own cultural language fluently, and not in the blood quantum or degree or whatever.
One of my grandmothers on my father's side of the family raised a granddaughter. And this granddaughter was white and Lakota. And the grandmother decided to teach the granddaughter only to speak Lakota and no English whatsoever. She gave her a Lakota name, as well. I met this girl when she was about 12 years old, and she just blew me away! I was really impressed. She understood so much about the Lakota perspective than her so called "full blood" cousins. And one big reason why is because she only spoke Lakota. She learned to speak English when she was about 14 years old.
So I have seen it myself. Just because you come from two different cultures does not mean you will have an identity crisis.
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brandongp605 (deleted)
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`@loveternal
I'm mixed-blood with Lakota, Cheyenne, Arapaho ancestry, along with German and French ancestry. I was brought up with a Native American (Lakota) contemporary and traditional culture with a mid-western Reservation lifestyle. Racially I'm mixed, but my identity is Native American because that's what I grew up learning and knowing, and I'm proud of that. But I also acknowledge my German and French blood-lines too. I have French-Canadian relatives from Canada and relatives who are recent German migrants from Germany, but I have never met them, and I tried to make contact with them by searching family records, I guess they just came and left and lost contact with my native relatives. I see a lot of Native Americans living in the cities and on the reservations/reserves in North America who pure blood or mixed people, but they usually have the Native identity and follow at-least certain cultural aspects of Native American Culture. Some natives are multicultural and proud of that.
We do have issues in our communities with alcoholism, minor gang issues, petty crimes and domestic violence in North America. Every group has their share of issues. Some Natives, particular the young, do have identity issues. Theses identity crises and social issues can be attributed to inter-generational trauma, poverty, bad decisions in life by the individual and so on. Yes, some of our youth do try to imitate other gangs from the inner-city and elsewhere, but I wouldn't say gang-life is Black American in origin because certain White American groups during the American great recession where the original gangs of North America, gangs thrive in poverty stricken areas anywhere on the planet. Those Native gang members who learn our heritage and culture are usually saved and they turn their lives into a positive direction and become better family and community members. We have traditionalist and private organizations, tribal government programs that work with the youth to steer them in the right direction in life. Most Native cultures in North America had matriarchal societies and some Native Men obviously ignored that.
But, Native communities across North America have different cultures (contemporary and/or traditional), struggling economies or prospering economies and social structures. We Natives are often generalized by outsiders. We are a very diverse people. We natives across the Americas are working on decolonizing our minds and working to preserve our cultures and build sovereignty the way each nation/tribe wants to. Individuals and families are doing the same across Native America.
Interesting discussions and debates you are putting forward on this forum. You are not afraid to voice your opinion and what you know and experienced in life.
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brandongp605 (deleted)
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`@loveternal
Well, I bet you already know or at-least familiar with everything I posted because you have educated yourself and have interest in Native American history. Have a nice day :)
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loveternal (deleted)
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I am a biracial woman. One of my parents is Italien and the other is "white" German. But I was born in Germany, and my first language is German. I learned English later in school, and my career requires me to speak English good so I take every opportunity I can to do that.
I have visited my relatives in Italy, but I feel so out of place there LOL!! Its nothing bad. Not at all. But even though I am part Italien, I am German. My perspective is not Italien at all, and I cannot speak Italien either. But I do not feel "less" than anything just because I come from two different cultures. I do not feel like I have an identity crisis. I love who I am! I never felt like I had to choose one culture over the other. I was just exposed only to the German side. But that is not necessarily a bad thing.
One day, I will speak Italien, and my perspective on life will grow even more. And that will not be because I am part Italien, it will be because I will be able to speak the Italien language. But presently, just because I cannot speak Italien does not make me any less of a person than if I could speak it.
I believe that even when you come from one culture, and you learn another language, your perspective increases because of that as well, and not because of what is in your DNA.
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loveternal (deleted)
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chosnazzy wrote: One of my grandmothers on my father's side of the family raised a granddaughter. And this granddaughter was white and Lakota. And the grandmother decided to teach the granddaughter only to speak Lakota and no English whatsoever. She gave her a Lakota name, as well. I met this girl when she was about 12 years old, and she just blew me away! I was really impressed. She understood so much about the Lakota perspective than her so called "full blood" cousins. And one big reason why is because she only spoke Lakota. She learned to speak English when she was about 14 years old.
So I have seen it myself. Just because you come from two different cultures does not mean you will have an identity crisis.
That is such a beautiful story, Chosnazzy And I agree, just because someone comes from two different cultures does not mean he or she will have an identity crisis. So you and Lily have nothing to worry about.
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singlehorse
singlehorse
Joined: July 27, 2013
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`Good points "brandongp605". It's good to hear everyone's perspective.
Expanding on my posting earlier, when you look around at other cultures in America they are primarily embodied by the races whose ancestors created them. Although non-Natives have been allowed to practice their ways and speak their languages in America with very little friction, Natives are unfortunately discouraged to do such. Thus, many Native women and men choose to procreate with non-Natives because it may afford their children less push back by mainstream America. Alternatively, many Natives have lost pride in their cultures, due to the bad light mainstream America shines on their race and thus they may choose to procreate with non-Natives. Presently, Natives represent like 1% of the USA population while all other races seem to be exponentially growing. It's ironic.
Historically, many Native women didn't have the choice, it was stolen from them and their children became mixed. Currently, Natives have the choice and we see there are still proud Native men and women holding it down and choosing to pass their Native legacy onto their children. They seem to honor the struggles of their ancestors by choosing to keep Native.
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loveternal (deleted)
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`That is all nicely said. However, in my opinion, I feel that your languages should be top priority because living your culture while speaking English is still thinking in a "colonized" way. You cannot live the Lakota way, while looking through "wasicu" eyes, meaning speaking English. Your languages are what give your heritage power. And without that language, no matter how traditional you think you are, you are still looking through "wasicu" eyes. And that will always be that way, until you become fluent in the Native language of your ancestors. Culture, language and spirituality all go together and they need each other. Without language, you are not completely thinking in your ancestal way.
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singlehorse
singlehorse
Joined: July 27, 2013
Posts: 3
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Your opinion seems a little on the common side. Possibly in one life you'll understand the Native reality (& point of view). But in this life it may not be easily possible. However, you are correct in that because I choose to participate in this mainstream world and communicate with you in English I can understand your opinion, because I too can see from within the mainstream box. However, many Natives live outside of the box by default. It's no fault of yours, however you do nonetheless choose the path you travel. Work to think outside the box, even if it means letting your guard down and allowing your ego to become vulnerable. You may even come across a real teacher or two who can help you listen. But listening will take discipline and that may not be easy for you (at first). Nonetheless, I respect you and feel your heart is in a good place. Thanks for posting.
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loveternal (deleted)
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`Thank you! And I wish the same for you, as well. And call it, label it what you wish. It does not matter to me. And thank you for your suggestions, as I am always open to learning. When we stop learning, we stop living, and maybe that is one reason why some are forever single because without learning, there is also no love.
My opinion is just that, "mine". And no matter how much I may disagree with others, I respect them and their views. I choose not to label or categorize their views because of their race, because I communicate from my heart, soul and mind, and not my skin color.
I choose to be humble, as I am never one to tell others what to do or to judge their level of development because only they must learn what lies in their path because of their choices. Therefore, I never consider myself above or smarter than anyone.
I believe learning is better accomplished through a non-linear perspective, maybe even in a circular process. And in such a process, the teacher may also be a student in certain situations. No one is above anyone in that process, as in nature.
We all need earth, wind, fire and water to live. And we all bleed red. That is our connection. However, when others choose to disagree with that to stay separate from others just because of wanting to preserve their race and keep it pure, that is their choice and I respect it. I humbly agree to disagree.
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moonlitsongbird (deleted)
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brandongp605 (deleted)
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singlehorse wrote: `Good points "brandongp605". It's good to hear everyone's perspective.
Expanding on my posting earlier, when you look around at other cultures in America they are primarily embodied by the races whose ancestors created them. Although non-Natives have been allowed to practice their ways and speak their languages in America with very little friction, Natives are unfortunately discouraged to do such. Thus, many Native women and men choose to procreate with non-Natives because it may afford their children less push back by mainstream America. Alternatively, many Natives have lost pride in their cultures, due to the bad light mainstream America shines on their race and thus they may choose to procreate with non-Natives. Presently, Natives represent like 1% of the USA population while all other races seem to be exponentially growing. It's ironic.
Historically, many Native women didn't have the choice, it was stolen from them and their children became mixed. Currently, Natives have the choice and we see there are still proud Native men and women holding it down and choosing to pass their Native legacy onto their children. They seem to honor the struggles of their ancestors by choosing to keep Native.
Well, I've seen much Natives take pride in their culture such as in food, art and dance. Our identity is still here, however our languages and spirituality for many tribes in North America maybe in danger of being lost. But, most of our Native languages have been documented, recorded and now are written languages. So I think our languages won't be lost, but we just need to learn to speak it fluently. But we have to balance our native language and English to live in today's society while looking for stable income and careers to keep ourselves occupied and to provide for our families. I've noticed many of our people's have developed or developing a temporary Native Culture and Identity if that makes any sense.
As far as our population, we are actually the fastest growing population, culture and economy in the USA and also growing in Canada. We have the highest birth rates as well as immigration from South America to Mexico which makes our population nearly 16 million. Latest Census studies have put us at 6 million in population, but that study ignores the Native population who immigrated from Latin America. Across the Americas there are over 65 million Natives across the Americas. So we are in no danger of dying as a racial group. We all probably should focus on keeping social structures, spirituality and languages alive and taking pride in it as the Elders tell us younger Natives.
As far as interracial dating, Some Natives probably thought they and their children would be better off dating non-natives to give themselves hope or an advantage perhaps, but most just found a none-native they like or fell in love with, or perhaps they found they right one they for them. Some Native people are attracted to people of another race and culture which is just human nature, Individuals are attracted to other Individuals who are different. Perhaps half our population prefer to date their people in their own group or culture which is also human nature.
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woodsy91
woodsy91
Joined: July 27, 2014
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I actually had a guy from this site try to talk me into making love the first meeting I wouldn't meet with him cause of that I was disappointed that a Native American man would want to do something like that with a complete stranger :(
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