A Native American Tragedy by Carl D’Agostino

lifeintheboomerlane
February 10th, 2011 at 21:46

I’m a huge reader of American Indian history and culture. I’ve been to reservations and to Indian tribal territories in Oklahoma (There’s only one actual reservation in OK. The rest are deeded land grants to individual families, in an attempt to break up tribal affiliation. Many of these have been sold off over time). I’ve been to Pine Ridge, which has the lowest standard of living in the US. With few exceptions, we made sure that no land of any value was ever given voluntarily to the Indians, and if value was found later, the land was taken away. We took children away from their families and forced them into boarding schools. We removed any chance the adults had to be self-sustaining. We created a culture of dependancy. The atrocities are endless.

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Carl D'Agostino
February 10th, 2011 at 23:32

Really appreciate your comments. I don’t understand why the tribes here in South Florida don’t seem to take much interest in their demoralized brothers and sisters in that they are amassing billions with their casino racket and non tax status. I hope I am wrong here on this. Do you know if the gambling rich tribes are doing anything to help?

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Amy
February 10th, 2011 at 10:59

That is a tragedy. In another 100 years, the reservations will probably be legislated out of existence and all of Native American culture will be reduced to a cliche.

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carldagostino
February 10th, 2011 at 13:18

I understand that in the Dakotas and areas like Oklahoma that have huge reservations have statistics that show over half if youth under 10 years old are addicted to one substance or another and the alcoholism is the highest among adults in the US population. On the other hand there are extensive efforts to preserve the culture as much as possible in this modern changing world of the homogenization of people. Native Americans with a white parent don’t have a place in either culture so the demoralization is pandemic.

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sunshineinlondon
February 10th, 2011 at 09:42

The thing I enjoy about your blog, Carl, is that you have a big and caring heart and it shows through, even in your humour.
Thanks for including me on your blogroll – gosh, I feel honoured!
Sunshine

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carldagostino
February 10th, 2011 at 10:38

Thank you for your kind words. You have supported my blog so I want my readership to see your stuff as well.

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planejaner
February 10th, 2011 at 01:15

Carl–
I agree with Sana…ouch.

and, on an entirely different note:
LOOK AT YOUR GINORMITUDINOUSLY LARGE BLOGROLL!
AND, I AM ON IT!
THE JOY!
🙂
Blessings, Carl–
keep up the thought-provoking work.
jane

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carldagostino
February 10th, 2011 at 06:58

This is a humor blog but sometimes have to get serious about important social issues. Yes, I want people to read your very well done stuff.

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Sana Johnson-Quijada MD
February 9th, 2011 at 23:39

Ouch

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carldagostino
February 10th, 2011 at 06:55

A little social commentary now and then…..You are now on my blo roll

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