Native American Politics Today
Issues Today:
Nuclear Waste Deposits and Uranium Mining
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A Brief Background
"Europeans and Americans saw Native Americans...as representing lower stages of social history." -Thornton
___A brief background of the Native Americans may seem contradictory because they have been around for centuries, and there are also so many different nations. However, this page is focused on the more recent history of society's view of Native Americans. It is vital to note that society, as well as the government, has contributed to the present day status of Native Americans.
___Society has viewed Native Americans through a very narrow window that is confined by stereotypes and misconceptions. One misconception is that Native Americans are a people of the past. In fact, they are around today, but are struggling to sustain themselves. In classrooms, Native Americans are generally spoken of in past tense. And in the past, "Europeans and Americans saw Native Americans...as representing lower stages of social history" (Thornton, p.91). Another misconception is of their diversity. There are many different nations and members of separate nations seek to be recognized as separate peoples with their own customs and beliefs. The final misconception that is critical to correct is that Native American lifestyles are undeveloped. Children learn the stereotype of Native Americans as a primitive people, all of whom wear feathers in their hair and speak poor English. Before a major change in Native Americans' status in the U.S. can occur, these misconceptions must be corrected.
___The treatment of Native American nations has improved in some ways, but many of the issues from the past still exist today. The government needs to change its policy towards Native Americans, and society must acquire a better understanding of their situation in order for significant improvement to take place.
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