Comments on: She doesn't "Look Native"… http://www.randombabble.com/2009/03/21/she-doesnt-look-native/ exactly that Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:32:57 +0000 hourly 1 By: Ouyang Dan http://www.randombabble.com/2009/03/21/she-doesnt-look-native/#comment-1941 Ouyang Dan Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:05:52 +0000 http://randombabble.com/?p=1515#comment-1941 @Straight Eagle: You don't have to thank me. It is how we see ourselves that matters. Blessings and love, ~ They named me Sky Woman (Gijigokwe), and I never stop reaching to be just that. @Straight Eagle:

You don’t have to thank me.

It is how we see ourselves that matters.

Blessings and love,

~ They named me Sky Woman (Gijigokwe), and I never stop reaching to be just that.

]]> By: Eva http://www.randombabble.com/2009/03/21/she-doesnt-look-native/#comment-1940 Eva Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:05:17 +0000 http://randombabble.com/?p=1515#comment-1940 Thank you for writing this!!! Growing up I always heard the words you don't look native( I grew up in AZ)... I am half native mix(predominantly mic mac) and white. I have medium skin tone, dark hair and bright blue eyes. I was told for years that I couldn't be native because I have blue eyes... I let it get to me for a time, then I came to realize that it didn't matter what others thought. When I go to powwow here on the east coast I look around and I see many elders with blue eyes, lighter skin. Many of these same elders tell me that at my age they looked just like me... I walk 2 paths and I am proud of it! I am raising my sons to be the same way! -signed they call me Straight Eagle Thank you for writing this!!! Growing up I always heard the words you don’t look native( I grew up in AZ)… I am half native mix(predominantly mic mac) and white. I have medium skin tone, dark hair and bright blue eyes. I was told for years that I couldn’t be native because I have blue eyes… I let it get to me for a time, then I came to realize that it didn’t matter what others thought. When I go to powwow here on the east coast I look around and I see many elders with blue eyes, lighter skin. Many of these same elders tell me that at my age they looked just like me… I walk 2 paths and I am proud of it! I am raising my sons to be the same way!

-signed they call me Straight Eagle

]]> By: Adria http://www.randombabble.com/2009/03/21/she-doesnt-look-native/#comment-1939 Adria Sun, 18 Jul 2010 06:42:11 +0000 http://randombabble.com/?p=1515#comment-1939 Thank you so much for writing this! I've encountered that dreaded phrase my entire life. Friends and coworkers have told me I don't look Native, but look more Armenian than anything else, as well as hearing it from family. It's pretty easy to get discouraged and down on yourself or your heritage. Granted I'll probably never know the discrimination and racism my relatives have encountered, it doesn't ease the pain of rejection. It saddens me that anyone should have to go through racism and such, really, but that's a whole 'nother ramble. Knowing that other people deal with this phrase makes me feel a little better, granted sad that others deal with it. Keep your head up. -Signed, A Pale Olive-faced, Native Quebecoise Thank you so much for writing this! I’ve encountered that dreaded phrase my entire life. Friends and coworkers have told me I don’t look Native, but look more Armenian than anything else, as well as hearing it from family. It’s pretty easy to get discouraged and down on yourself or your heritage. Granted I’ll probably never know the discrimination and racism my relatives have encountered, it doesn’t ease the pain of rejection. It saddens me that anyone should have to go through racism and such, really, but that’s a whole ‘nother ramble. Knowing that other people deal with this phrase makes me feel a little better, granted sad that others deal with it. Keep your head up.

-Signed, A Pale Olive-faced, Native Quebecoise

]]> By: Being Native in the Twilight Saga and The Importance of Being Sam and Emily… « random babble… http://www.randombabble.com/2009/03/21/she-doesnt-look-native/#comment-1938 Being Native in the Twilight Saga and The Importance of Being Sam and Emily… « random babble… Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:20:24 +0000 http://randombabble.com/?p=1515#comment-1938 [...] blood until he researched for his Twilight role). To secure the cred of the makers of the film, so that we all know that not only do they look Native, but that they are indeed Native. To secure the racial and ethnic integrity of all the actors, [...] [...] blood until he researched for his Twilight role). To secure the cred of the makers of the film, so that we all know that not only do they look Native, but that they are indeed Native. To secure the racial and ethnic integrity of all the actors, [...]

]]> By: rebecca gonzales http://www.randombabble.com/2009/03/21/she-doesnt-look-native/#comment-1937 rebecca gonzales Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:24:15 +0000 http://randombabble.com/?p=1515#comment-1937 I can relate to many of the comments made on this post. When I was born the nurses said to my mother, "My, what a beautiful Spanish baby"; in lieu of "Mexican" due to the year (1961). I had black hair, dark eyes and high cheekbones; the product of a Choctaw father mixed with Scots-Irish, Black Dutch, British with a last name which was descended of the Moors from Spain. My mother was German, Cherokee and Irish. All of my life I have struggled with my identity yet have felt closest to my Native roots. I've been mistaken for Latina, Brazilian and even Asian. I've also heard heartless comments like, "you don't look Indian" as well as racial slurs, "did you grow up in a teepee?". I wondered why my daddy looked different than most of the other daddies in the small Missouri town I lived in. Both of my parents struggled with their identities and for the most part hid their Native roots. Such were the times for them to assimilate in Oklahoma and Arkansas during the Great Depression. This confusion passed down to me and I have struggled with it. My choice of career is as a multi-cultural counselor. I attend powwow's every chance I get (and dance) and do my best to live my life with Native ancestoral values. Still, there are days when I look into the mirror and see the light olive skinned woman with green-hazel eyes, freckles, black hair with silver/white streaks and wonder who she is. I can relate to many of the comments made on this post. When I was born the nurses said to my mother, “My, what a beautiful Spanish baby”; in lieu of “Mexican” due to the year (1961). I had black hair, dark eyes and high cheekbones; the product of a Choctaw father mixed with Scots-Irish, Black Dutch, British with a last name which was descended of the Moors from Spain. My mother was German, Cherokee and Irish. All of my life I have struggled with my identity yet have felt closest to my Native roots. I’ve been mistaken for Latina, Brazilian and even Asian. I’ve also heard heartless comments like, “you don’t look Indian” as well as racial slurs, “did you grow up in a teepee?”. I wondered why my daddy looked different than most of the other daddies in the small Missouri town I lived in. Both of my parents struggled with their identities and for the most part hid their Native roots. Such were the times for them to assimilate in Oklahoma and Arkansas during the Great Depression. This confusion passed down to me and I have struggled with it. My choice of career is as a multi-cultural counselor. I attend powwow’s every chance I get (and dance) and do my best to live my life with Native ancestoral values. Still, there are days when I look into the mirror and see the light olive skinned woman with green-hazel eyes, freckles, black hair with silver/white streaks and wonder who she is.

]]> By: Marguerite Thibaudeau http://www.randombabble.com/2009/03/21/she-doesnt-look-native/#comment-1936 Marguerite Thibaudeau Sat, 02 Jan 2010 21:45:22 +0000 http://randombabble.com/?p=1515#comment-1936 This is so sad. Being Indian is not about looks, of who thinks who should be. This is all racist stereo typing as to what a Indian should be, based on colonialism and European racism. The statement "All My Relations" is the foundations of our teachings, we are all related. I have been on the other end of this spectrum. I am a mixed blood, with no papers. I walk this path, and our own people have adopted this attitude to control and manipulate the haves and have nots. Mind you these people have been put into this situation due to financial survival. I try to walk this path in a good way, I try to treat people with respect, i do not question how Creator decided how I would look, This is all part of my journey. How can someone who is not Indian decide who is, and how can someone who is Indian decide from a picture who is. The teachings of the 7th fire says it all. We better stop ripping each other apart, we have work to do, and Creator determines who is and who isn't in the end.. aho! This is so sad. Being Indian is not about looks, of who thinks who should be. This is all racist stereo typing as to what a Indian should be, based on colonialism and European racism. The statement “All My Relations” is the foundations of our teachings, we are all related. I have been on the other end of this spectrum. I am a mixed blood, with no papers. I walk this path, and our own people have adopted this attitude to control and manipulate the haves and have nots. Mind you these people have been put into this situation due to financial survival. I try to walk this path in a good way, I try to treat people with respect, i do not question how Creator decided how I would look, This is all part of my journey. How can someone who is not Indian decide who is, and how can someone who is Indian decide from a picture who is. The teachings of the 7th fire says it all. We better stop ripping each other apart, we have work to do, and Creator determines who is and who isn’t in the end..
aho!

]]> By: What Pictures Can’t Tell You… « random babble… http://www.randombabble.com/2009/03/21/she-doesnt-look-native/#comment-1935 What Pictures Can’t Tell You… « random babble… Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:15:04 +0000 http://randombabble.com/?p=1515#comment-1935 [...] but for most mixed race people, there isn’t anyone. If we embrace one aspect of it, we don’t look Native enough, or they don’t look the right kind of Asian, her eyes aren’t slanted enough, or his [...] [...] but for most mixed race people, there isn’t anyone. If we embrace one aspect of it, we don’t look Native enough, or they don’t look the right kind of Asian, her eyes aren’t slanted enough, or his [...]

]]> By: Ariel Grimm http://www.randombabble.com/2009/03/21/she-doesnt-look-native/#comment-1934 Ariel Grimm Tue, 07 Jul 2009 06:21:58 +0000 http://randombabble.com/?p=1515#comment-1934 Great Article! The woman who wrote those things is just stupid...I have a little bit of Native American in me on my dad's side, and I'm totally into the culture and religious beliefs. Whenever I show it, I secretly fear I am being judged because I'm white...but whatever, the prophecy of the Whirling Rainbow states that "the third generation of the White Eye's children will grown their hair and speak of love as the healer of the Children of the Earth. These children will seek new ways of understanding themselves and others. They will wear feathers and beads and paint their faces. They will seek the Elders of the Red Race and drink of their wisdom. These white-eyed children will be a sign that the Ancestors are returning in white bodies, but they are <b>Red on the inside</b>" at least that's what I read in <a href="http://www.jamiesams.com/sacredcards.html" rel="nofollow">Sacred Path</a> Great Article! The woman who wrote those things is just stupid…I have a little bit of Native American in me on my dad’s side, and I’m totally into the culture and religious beliefs. Whenever I show it, I secretly fear I am being judged because I’m white…but whatever, the prophecy of the Whirling Rainbow states that “the third generation of the White Eye’s children will grown their hair and speak of love as the healer of the Children of the Earth. These children will seek new ways of understanding themselves and others. They will wear feathers and beads and paint their faces. They will seek the Elders of the Red Race and drink of their wisdom. These white-eyed children will be a sign that the Ancestors are returning in white bodies, but they are Red on the inside” at least that’s what I read in Sacred Path

]]> By: Ouyang Dan http://www.randombabble.com/2009/03/21/she-doesnt-look-native/#comment-1933 Ouyang Dan Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:39:49 +0000 http://randombabble.com/?p=1515#comment-1933 Also, you don't know the racism I have personally faced. Just the knowledge that someone comes from one of those "dirty rez families", which in a small town like I grew up in, everyone knows. I would politely ask that you not dismiss that as well. Also, you don’t know the racism I have personally faced. Just the knowledge that someone comes from one of those “dirty rez families”, which in a small town like I grew up in, everyone knows. I would politely ask that you not dismiss that as well.

]]> By: Ouyang Dan http://www.randombabble.com/2009/03/21/she-doesnt-look-native/#comment-1932 Ouyang Dan Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:38:29 +0000 http://randombabble.com/?p=1515#comment-1932 No, I probably won't be pulled over just for driving, but that doesn't erase my heritage, or the fact that I experience it in my own way. You idea for me to "be realistic" is all well and good until it actually erases my experiences, and those of others in my family. While I might not suffer in the same ways it is naive to pretend that bi-racial or mixed race Native Americans don't indeed suffer as a result of their mixed race heritage in ways unique to other PoC. As I have mentioned, I have been subjected to racism on both sides of my mixed race heritage, and it doesn't make it any less hurtful or real. You also have to remember that part of my lighter skin is both a trait of my Northern tribe, and a result of the years of systemic racism that led to my people being forcibly "bred" with white people in order to lighten us and dilute our heritage. My point is that you can not assume that someone is white or not what they claim to be based off of your held stereotypes or beliefs. It doesn't make your points less valid, because they are, I will not face the same racism that someone with obviously darker skin will. But there is a whole different kind of racism inherent in beliefs like yours that I should just smile and go along with my perceived whiteness. I am well aware of the ways that the varying degrees of skin pigmentation affect the lives of people who are black or brown. I am not that naive. I don't fully think that the woman in the image should be held up as the epitome of what a Native woman would look like, simply that the sentiment that "she doesn't look Native" is racist in and of itself, because, honestly, the luxury of "looking Native" (and it is, if you ask some racist ass holes who think we Natives get a slew of advantages from our "blood quantum" privilege) is a rare thing, with the way we have been treated for centuries. This isn't the oppression olympics, which I detest, because frankly everyone loses and the prizes suck anyway. It's not a question of who suffers worse racism. I am asking people to expand their minds and not make racist assumptions base on stereotypes. Truth is, many people in my family look just like me, but have far higher "blood quantum" than I do. And people with less look "more Native". The point is that you can't possibly guess who is and isn't Native anymore by appearance. I am making the case for allowing mixed race/heritage people to set and define their own identities. You should not be allowed to take that away because you think I am being unreasonable. If you read through the archives I take great pains to acknowledge my privilege. It's not stepping on my toes. Just think about how many people's identities you might be erasing (people who had no control over what happened to their blood lines) by asking us to be realistic. No, I probably won’t be pulled over just for driving, but that doesn’t erase my heritage, or the fact that I experience it in my own way. You idea for me to “be realistic” is all well and good until it actually erases my experiences, and those of others in my family. While I might not suffer in the same ways it is naive to pretend that bi-racial or mixed race Native Americans don’t indeed suffer as a result of their mixed race heritage in ways unique to other PoC. As I have mentioned, I have been subjected to racism on both sides of my mixed race heritage, and it doesn’t make it any less hurtful or real. You also have to remember that part of my lighter skin is both a trait of my Northern tribe, and a result of the years of systemic racism that led to my people being forcibly “bred” with white people in order to lighten us and dilute our heritage. My point is that you can not assume that someone is white or not what they claim to be based off of your held stereotypes or beliefs. It doesn’t make your points less valid, because they are, I will not face the same racism that someone with obviously darker skin will. But there is a whole different kind of racism inherent in beliefs like yours that I should just smile and go along with my perceived whiteness.

I am well aware of the ways that the varying degrees of skin pigmentation affect the lives of people who are black or brown. I am not that naive. I don’t fully think that the woman in the image should be held up as the epitome of what a Native woman would look like, simply that the sentiment that “she doesn’t look Native” is racist in and of itself, because, honestly, the luxury of “looking Native” (and it is, if you ask some racist ass holes who think we Natives get a slew of advantages from our “blood quantum” privilege) is a rare thing, with the way we have been treated for centuries.

This isn’t the oppression olympics, which I detest, because frankly everyone loses and the prizes suck anyway. It’s not a question of who suffers worse racism. I am asking people to expand their minds and not make racist assumptions base on stereotypes. Truth is, many people in my family look just like me, but have far higher “blood quantum” than I do. And people with less look “more Native”. The point is that you can’t possibly guess who is and isn’t Native anymore by appearance. I am making the case for allowing mixed race/heritage people to set and define their own identities. You should not be allowed to take that away because you think I am being unreasonable. If you read through the archives I take great pains to acknowledge my privilege.

It’s not stepping on my toes. Just think about how many people’s identities you might be erasing (people who had no control over what happened to their blood lines) by asking us to be realistic.

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