Re: In Defense of Peshe and other Native friends
Peshewegunzh (peshe%mamia.uucp@mthvax.cs.miami.edu)
Sun, 9 Feb 1992 09:52:42 EST
Susan Witt recently asked, what do others think non-Indians can do
to help Indians? I think that a very good answer would be to, as she
did, get things together for themselves, to begin solving the massive
problems that face them. There's nothing more futile than coming
up with theoretical solutions for others and seeking to implement
them when one is not confident enough of them to live them out for
oneself. Even then, the application to others must be by successful
example, so that empowerment and not dependence occurs - and also the
free choice to reject or accept particular methodologies. It is
extremely destructive to allow others to treat one as a victim, because
it fosters dependence and helplessness - and the healthy individual
or society recognizes and rejects the demeaning overtones. That is why it
is sometimes healthier to tell anthropologists to "get lost," even when
their feelings are hurt. After all, they do not see themselves (usually)
as victims, as opposed to those they "help" with all good intentions.
It might be worthwhile, sometimes, to hear what they say in case riding
them off the reservation on a rail is counterproductive or even unfair...!
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Peshewegunzh
peshe%mamia.UUCP@mthvax.cs.miami.edu
mthvax.cs.miami.edu!mamia.UUCP!peshe
peshe@mamia.UUCP
mthvax!mamia!peshe
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