Dear Editor,
In reading the letter by Mr. Anderson, I can see quite clearly
why the problem of racism still exists in our society. I found his
statement,
”
don’t get me wrong, i’m no racist
”
, humorous.
Dear Editor,
In reading the letter by Mr. Anderson, I can see quite clearly why the problem of racism still exists in our society. I found his statement, “don’t get me wrong, i’m no racist”, humorous. He is correct when he stated that the dominant culture surpasses the lesser. It is normal for individuals to claim they are not racist and are just expressing their opinions. What he fails to state is that in this country the dominant culture is the white culture. All one needs to do is look around and one will see who the corporate and political leaders are. This is not to state that there are no minorities within those areas; however the vast majority are white.
His letter was not centered on the issue of an Indian casino being built close to Gilroy, but of what is not owed to Indians.
Mr. Anderson goes on to discuss the many atrocities the Indians committed during the history of this country, and learned all this through reading history books. What he failed to do was read both sides of the story. What of the many atrocities that were heaped on the Native American during this country’s expansion, which was quaintly called Manifest Destiny?
He failed to mention the forced movement of entire tribes in order to accommodate the white settlers and their quest for land, the massacre at Wounded Knee in which approximately 300 men, women, and children were killed. Of course, numerous soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their “heroic” acts at Wounded Knee. What about the massacres at Sand Creek, Bear River, Washita and the Trail of Tears in which over 5,000 Indians died of starvation and exposure?
Yes, the Indians did commit acts of atrocities, and I will not offer the typical reason of protecting their land or survival. However, when foreigners invade your land, it is only natural to resist. It is not only the Indians that were viewed as inferior or subjected to atrocities by our government. What of the blacks that were held in bondage for over 200 years, or the Japanese that were held in “internment camps” during WWII because they were a “threat” to our security? Germany was also a threat but there were no camps set up for them. Mexicans were deported to Mexico during the Great Depression, even though many were U.S. citizens. Again, the dominant culture prevailed, isn’t that right Mr. Anderson?
Mr. Anderson further states that we should tell the truth and all minorities should come together as Americans. I wholeheartedly agree with that statement, however it is a contradiction based on his last statement, “No, we don’t owe Indians anything.”
Statements such as that further divide cultures. He is completely wrong: we owe Native Americans the respect that all people deserve, not monetary compensation or special treatment, but merely respect. The issue of the casino has nothing to do with traffic congestion, increased crime or gambling addiction, It is a problem that goes much deeper and Mr. Anderson put it all in perspective when he stated that the dominant culture surpasses the lesser. I also read history books, but unlike Mr. Anderson, I read both sides.
Richard R. Duran, Buena Park
