Hello...I think?

[littlefawn7]

I'm a new member to this site. I'm concerned about my decision to join after reading so many angry comments regarding "posers". There seems to be a general dislike for people claiming even a fraction of Native blood. I consider myself a very out-going, cheerful person but the negativity around here is draining. Please bear with me a moment and try viewing things from my perspective.
I was adopted and knew little about my family history. It took years of research and tracking people down to discover that I had some Native American blood from both sides. Apparently my paternal grandmother is/ was full blood Blackfoot and my maternal great-grandmother was full blood Cherokee. That gives me a very insignificant amount of Native American blood but upon learning that bit of information I was so excited! Imagine not having an identity but suddenly learning that you weren't born in a cabbage patch.
It wasn't until I started reading some information on the site that this sense of pride was diminished to embarrassment. I never claimed to be a "part" Native American but now I'm in threat of being reduced to a "poser" because I dared to identify with a culture that has known so much pain as a result of the worst form of rejection and betrayal!!
In addition to the Native American ancestry, Ive also learned that Im English, German and Irish¦an American recipe! lol
I was raised by an Italian family that embraced us as one of their own even to include us in their family tree despite our lack of blood ties. Isnt that what its all about in matters of the heart?
Regardless, I hope that you dont crucify me for this post and instead have a better understanding of those innocent of any intentional wrong-doing or disrespect.

[rblyl (deleted)]

`I am mixed race..Norweigan, Sioux, and Jewish..and I have not run across any problems with the people on this site because of it at all, that I have been aware of anyway. I think the problems come in mostly due to respect when it comes down to it, people feeling disrespected that is. And the irritability over "blonde, blue-eyed Cherokee" stereotyping isn't one bit the exclsive domain of this web site..in time you will find that it's a common 'thorn in the side' of many Native communities on and off line. Enjoy

[kaskiyeh (deleted)]

`Welcome!!
Most of the writings are for the people who come in here and try to be something they are not, they act like Native people are still living in tee pees and living off the land.They have seen Dancing With Wolves and are wanting to be that!!!They are looking for the Native man with long flowing hair , riding a pony, face paint with a loin cloth on..
I don't need someone from a another country acting like they know all about the Native people, but can't even get the language right with the right tribe..
If you are here to learn about your native back ground this will not be the place..

[cajunking (deleted)]

`I think it's cool you're into your Native heritage, and you're just as welcome here as Sitting Bull would have been, lol. No matter who you're talking to or what site or whatever, someone is going to have something to say wether it be negative or positive....
As far as people not accepting a "blond hair, blue-eyed Cherokee"... look at Chuck Norris, an enrolled member...obviously he was accepted. Personally I think a lot of these "Internet Indians" are letting their pride get the best of them. Also...a lot of Cherokees wanted to assimilate into white culture, so the outcome is obviously what they had in mind. So if someone is knocking a "blond hair, blue-eyed Cherokee", technically they are knocking their full-blooded ancestors. And REAL natives honor their elders, not disrespect them. Just something to think about...

[littlefawn7]

`Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate your insight and explanations. I'm "not here to learn about my native background" my sole intention for joinging this site was to make friends at the very least. It just caught me off guard to read some rather negative comments...granted I have no history here so what I happened upon is obviously a result of another's hypocrisy. I've been to a few 'excuses' for Pow Wows here in Florida and my remark was generally "where are all the real Native Americans?". I can understand your frustration on a small scale and apologize for jumping to conclusions. Thanks again for taking the time to explain...

[trubblemaka (deleted)]

`lol

[kaskiyeh (deleted)]

`It be no problem

[rblyl (deleted)]

`I guess. Personally I never knew Chuck Norris was a Native American, let alone an 'enrolled' member, I just thought he was an actor who was exceptional at martial arts.. ooops. My blunder. But I seen Cajunking has said "REAL Natives" welcome all peoples (out of respect for thier elders)? Okay, but it seems opinion as to what a "real" Native is right now. Not only that I dont feel that any person who comes in and disrespects I need to honor in any way. To tell a person 'with your heritage you should know better...." is first off condecending...another thing how would he know?? Unless he is making assumptions based on race(s). What do we call that? So, yeah, people say things here and unless one reads the thing in context to the whole conversation here (which was just so painfully long in General Discussion) it is easy to assume WHY a conversation got to the point it did. How dare anyone come in and scold people for thier sensitivities toward thier own race (which was GIVEN by the way..not asked for), and then insinuate that the 'cure' is for everyone to be the same..the elimination of CULTURal pride. That was the start to the Cherokee blondes comments I think that brought all this other posting now with it.
I type this and it dosent matter....crucify me for my opinion I dont care anymore and no need to bring a cross.

[kaskiyeh (deleted)]

`Of course Chuck Norris is a registered member of a tribe.. Go figure he's Cherokee !! Cherokees been real busy pollinating the white man since the 1500's
Only ones that complain are the ones that seem to be playing native .. .And you know if you don't go along with the others way of thinking "we are all related" b.s.then they think we are full of hatred..
Of course we are all Human Being, but that is as far as it goes, we are all different and think differently that is way we have a brain..I refuse to pretend to go with the masses I like to be a little bit rebellious and think for myself..
As far as respect goes that's something you have to earn it is not just given.I find it hard to respect anyone that comes on here and lies about their heritage, age, fake photo's and and so on.

I don't run around the forum banging a drum to show how much Native I am, don't need too..
I can't find one Cherokee princess in my ancestors .As I said before What irritates me is people that want to play Indian .

And Reb if they crucify you I'll be there to take you off the cross as I stand by my friends. And you can bet Bigg Trub, and zoupi will be right there with me..

[rblyl (deleted)]

`"pollinating.." LMAO!!!!!

(and thank you Kaskiyeh:)

[kaskiyeh (deleted)]

`Glad I made you laugh..
Banging drums was never my thing, now bang my head that's a different story..
Your welcome..