Connections about Struggling Rights of American Indians - Essay Example

They still have problems distinguishing their heritage. Many different tribes are still just clumped into one group of Indians, no matter what their actual national heritage is, whether it be Iroquois or Cherokee for example.

This is an example of structural racism. There are still many people who are white supremacists and are racist against people of all different nationalities. Whether it be a group of African Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Arabs, or Native Americans, people still racially oppress these groups. It is a system of hierarchy and allows for white people who primarily came from Europe into the American mixing pot to claim what they thought was theirs, no matter who they had to take from. Many whites still express racism in many different forms.

Individuals may have no reason to hate or be prejudiced against others but based on stereotypes that they have heard in the media, it is still present. The only thing that the arrogant white people have against these individuals is the color of their skin. Though many whites this far into the future may have ties to other cultures by having an American Indian great-great-grandparent or an ancestor of a different race. The whites turn a blind eye. It is evident in songs, films, texts, and even in sporting teams.

White people do not always take into consideration that the fact that their team might be the Atlanta Braves could be offensive to the American Indian culture. It is common for people in power to have a sense of oppression. There have been instances of individual violence and economic power. It creates an unequal distribution of power. For example, Barack Obama was the first black President and for many, there have been situations where they have acted out and been prejudiced toward black people just because a person of their race has a place in power.

But why has there not been a President that is a Native American? Native Americans are given different types of rights. Many still live together in order to share their heritage on reserves. Other Native Americans may feel that they are not good enough. They may not teach their children the stories of their past or instill their cultural beliefs. The generations may become embarrassed if their parent or grandparent or some other relative goes into public in traditional dress. There is a fear of exposing oneself due to humiliation.

There should not be a reason for this oppression though it does still exist. People have the tendency to often dislike others who do not have the same cultural values that they have and their ego takes over. It is not reality but instead, a prejudice. When Columbus came over, he saw America as a whole new world. However, he even took Native Americans as prisoners just because they were of a different color.