Judging by the skin color - Page 2

Usdigvhi · 10-22-2005, 04:00 PM

yeah i get it too...only everyone thinks im white. its not my fault my moms the only one of six with blonde hair and pale skin lol but everyone just tells me that im not native im white...mostly white and black people. I get problems from some natives but mostly just the "you must not be enough native" kinda thing. i guess people need more educated on genes...

fancyfingers · 10-22-2005, 06:36 PM

i also am a light skinned native, i am a mother and grand mother now, ever since i was very young i wa scalled white girl, i was the light sheep of the family, i am from the Haliwa-Saponi tribe from NC. i started dancing at the age of 12, i just fell in love with Pow-wows. i have fought all my life with which, i thought i was cheated, cause of my skin color, my mother was even gonna dye my hair dark, and let me wear darker makeup at a early age, anywayz i backed out of dyeing my hair, and said to my mother and myself i dont care what people think of me, a was feeling good about myself. its ashame how people will judge the way someone looks, its even worst when its your own family, and own people doing it. so I thank God(Creator) that i have paved the the road for my children, and grand children, so that they will never have to go thru what i had to, I understand how you and your husband feels getting discourage , but dont ever let anyone make you stop doing what is apart of you and what makes you happy. stand up to anyone, no matter what, never give up. one day it will get better for you both. and you will look back and say we stood up against the odds and won. stay in that special Pow-Wow dance arena because you belong there. good luck to you both and keep your head up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnishinabeIkwe

I have been going to powwows since the age of 5 and have enjoyed myslef greatly. never had i had any complaints. I am also really light skined as well. I am now 21 and am married to a man of the bad river ojibwa tribe. He is also light skinned. Recently me and him have gone to 3 powwows. He likes to support me in my dancing and he's wanting to learn more himself. Anyways, the three powwows we have gone, everyone people have made racist remarks to him, or how he doenst belong at a powwow because of his skin color. He got called a "honkey" by "fellow" native americans. we've also had belonging taken from our campsite as well. in result my love for powwows has gone down because of that. He doesnt even really want to go to powows anymore because of that. and if he does, he'll sit at the campsite the whole time to avoid that. How can we aproach this? I think it's very wrong to judge a person by their skin color. I want to enjoy my powwow time. Please help.

Singing Otter · 10-22-2005, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by busy

singing otter I have the opposite problem. The Indians don't call me names, it is the black people who look at me odd. I'm not dark skinned, so I guess they don't know what the heck is going on...and then they see my daughter, and it just doesn't compute.

Honestly, most of the problems I've ever had were from Whites that thought I couldn't possibly be Indian (after all they had seen Dances with Wolves and that Pocahontas cartoon and, as they recalled, there were NO colored people!

man some people's younguns.) Because I was Black I HAD to be a Freedman with no blood ties to my Nation. (Sometimes you just gotta let em live.)

***

AnishinabeIkwe, the people that truly matter will accept you for who you are. Don't let the ignorance of others keep you guys from where you belong.

busy · 10-22-2005, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Singing Otter

Honestly, most of the problems I've ever had were from Whites that thought I couldn't possibly be Indian (after all they had seen Dances with Wolves and that Pocahontas cartoon and, as they recalled, there were NO colored people!

man some people's younguns.) Because I was Black I HAD to be a Freedman with no blood ties to my Nation. (Sometimes you just gotta let em live.)

It is interesting you bring up the Freedman. People automatically think I'm Cherokee, I tell them I'm Seneca-Cayuga and they tell me it is not possible. I don't know why? What black people and indian people in the north east didn't hook up....wha?

There is so much ignorance in this world. I just shake my head.

**WocusWoman** · 10-22-2005, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badmaninc

If its any consolation, dude, I think your a ba$tard.

Dittos on the hardie har har!!!

**jdazmum** · 10-23-2005, 12:06 AM

I've been mistaken for a Hispanic most of the time, but when I say I'm Native, they go off and say, "From South America?!" Stuuupid. Anyone who asks me a dumb question gets a dumb answer in return. I've said once, I was Cherokee and lo' and behold, they were Cherokee too..........try it, always works. (don't think I'm making fun of any Cherokees here) but majority of the time when I asked whites or blacks, they were Cherokee.

busy · 10-23-2005, 09:30 AM

haha Jdazmum. I know what you mean. I guess that is why everyone just assumes I'm Cherokee. I've had white people and black people a like say that they had a grand mother or some other great grand that was Cherokee. This isn't to say it isn't true, I would have no clue, if you say so...right? I find it interesting that other than the Lakota and maybe a few other Indian Nations, the majority of America does not know what types of nations are out there. If you live on the Eastern coast, Cherokee is always safe to say. If you live in the Southwest, I suppose it would be Navajo. Interesting how you never hear a mixed person say they are Ute or Arapaho.

***Mystic*** · 10-23-2005, 11:55 AM

Hey I feel the same way Jdazmum & I always agree with you Busy. I live here on the East Coast as well & I'm not gonna sit here and lie....I'm really part Cherokee, so I'm not like those other people who say they are one all because they live over here on the East.

I have met people, though who said that they are part Cherokee but don't have no idea what they are. They just think all because they live in the Northeast or whatever, they are automatically Cherokee. So not true! I have a friend who lives in Washington D.C. & she is part Blackfeet. So you don't have to be Cherokee if you live on the East.

As far as the Southwest, mostly everyone I've met over there claims to be Navajo. Wow, like what happened to being Apache or Commanche? How come everyone assume they are Navajo(no offense to the Navajos) but I've been getting that a lot everytime I travel to the Southwest. It's really strange.

So, yes it is so true what the both of you are saying.

**NDNQt** · 10-24-2005, 11:24 AM

Hey Fancyfingers, remember that time we were in I think Pennsylvania (I flew in so I didn't have transportation) and we stopped at that gas station and these spanish dudes started talking to us (I guess because lots of spanish women dye their hair) in Spanish! I was like OMG I can't believe this is happening.

quicksilverwade · 10-24-2005, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NDNQt

Hey Fancyfingers, remember that time we were in I think Pennsylvania (I flew in so I didn't have transportation) and we stopped at that gas station and these spanish dudes started talking to us (I guess because lots of spanish women dye their hair) in Spanish! I was like OMG I can't believe this is happening.

And this is what they said:

Hola chulas! Ustedes quieren ir con nosotros para vivir la vida loca!

Noyaha · 10-24-2005, 12:24 PM

Well, if I were you, I'd only powwow with people I know. Usually the same powwows (every year) have a lot of the same people. Make a point of meeting the "good" people and leave the rest in the dust.

As far as skin color.......its only skin deep. You simply cannot tell from looking today who is ndn and who is not. Point in case: I'm dark skinned with dark hair, but I also have two red headed, freckle faced brothers with the exact same blood I've got. Means absolutely nothing. Steer clear of judgmental and/or insulting people. Keep your friends and family close.

kalifaz_beech_beauty · 10-24-2005, 09:09 PM

Living N Southern Kalifaz I get talked 2 N spanish cuz people see mah dark skin n think I'm spanish speaking. Same goes wit people everywhere they juss b seeing dah outside but don't get sad about it. Lease u know what u are n who u r.

shyeagle · 10-25-2005, 03:38 AM

o si yo beech babe, make us jealous there lapping up all that surf and sun, catch awave for us, wado stuck in land!

**walela49** · 10-25-2005, 10:34 AM

paler than most NDNs...darker than most whitefolks...I like my super-spy-double-identity!!!!! LOL

10-22-2005, 04:00 PM	#21 (permalink)
Usdigvhi Little Wildcat Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 374	yeah i get it too...only everyone thinks im white. its not my fault my moms the only one of six with blonde hair and pale skin lol but everyone just tells me that im not native im white...mostly white and black people. I get problems from some natives but mostly just the "you must not be enough native" kinda thing. i guess people need more educated on genes... __________________ "So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and nothing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home." -Tecumseh

10-23-2005, 12:06 AM	#26 (permalink)
jdazmum lil of this lil of that Join Date: May 2004 Location: Always on the move Posts: 1,167	I've been mistaken for a Hispanic most of the time, but when I say I'm Native, they go off and say, "From South America?!" Stuuupid. Anyone who asks me a dumb question gets a dumb answer in return. I've said once, I was Cherokee and lo' and behold, they were Cherokee too..........try it, always works. (don't think I'm making fun of any Cherokees here) but majority of the time when I asked whites or blacks, they were Cherokee. __________________ Your integrity is your destiny… it is the light that guides your way.” -Heraclitus, Greek poet and philosopher

10-23-2005, 11:55 AM	#28 (permalink)
*Mystic* Mystic Paradise Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: All Over The Place Posts: 2,929	Hey I feel the same way Jdazmum & I always agree with you Busy. I live here on the East Coast as well & I'm not gonna sit here and lie....I'm really part Cherokee, so I'm not like those other people who say they are one all because they live over here on the East. I have met people, though who said that they are part Cherokee but don't have no idea what they are. They just think all because they live in the Northeast or whatever, they are automatically Cherokee. So not true! I have a friend who lives in Washington D.C. & she is part Blackfeet. So you don't have to be Cherokee if you live on the East. As far as the Southwest, mostly everyone I've met over there claims to be Navajo. Wow, like what happened to being Apache or Commanche? How come everyone assume they are Navajo(no offense to the Navajos) but I've been getting that a lot everytime I travel to the Southwest. It's really strange. So, yes it is so true what the both of you are saying. __________________ Never Hurt The Heart That Luvs You

10-24-2005, 11:24 AM	#29 (permalink)
NDNQt PowWows.com Addicts Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Aylett, VA Posts: 1,076	Hey Fancyfingers, remember that time we were in I think Pennsylvania (I flew in so I didn't have transportation) and we stopped at that gas station and these spanish dudes started talking to us (I guess because lots of spanish women dye their hair) in Spanish! I was like OMG I can't believe this is happening. __________________ Becky B.

10-24-2005, 12:24 PM	#31 (permalink)
Noyaha Noyaha Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 46	skin deep Well, if I were you, I'd only powwow with people I know. Usually the same powwows (every year) have a lot of the same people. Make a point of meeting the "good" people and leave the rest in the dust. As far as skin color.......its only skin deep. You simply cannot tell from looking today who is ndn and who is not. Point in case: I'm dark skinned with dark hair, but I also have two red headed, freckle faced brothers with the exact same blood I've got. Means absolutely nothing. Steer clear of judgmental and/or insulting people. Keep your friends and family close. Last edited by Noyaha; 10-24-2005 at 12:27 PM.

10-23-2005, 09:30 AM	#27 (permalink)
busy Okan Sni Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 136	haha Jdazmum. I know what you mean. I guess that is why everyone just assumes I'm Cherokee. I've had white people and black people a like say that they had a grand mother or some other great grand that was Cherokee. This isn't to say it isn't true, I would have no clue, if you say so...right? I find it interesting that other than the Lakota and maybe a few other Indian Nations, the majority of America does not know what types of nations are out there. If you live on the Eastern coast, Cherokee is always safe to say. If you live in the Southwest, I suppose it would be Navajo. Interesting how you never hear a mixed person say they are Ute or Arapaho.

10-24-2005, 09:09 PM	#32 (permalink)
kalifaz_beech_beauty double da dazzle babie! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pacific coastline~Santa Monica Posts: 71	Living N Southern Kalifaz I get talked 2 N spanish cuz people see mah dark skin n think I'm spanish speaking. Same goes wit people everywhere they juss b seeing dah outside but don't get sad about it. Lease u know what u are n who u r. __________________ dubble your pleasure~ surfs up babie~

10-25-2005, 03:38 AM	#33 (permalink)
shyeagle Junior Dancer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: soaring with eagles Posts: 168	surfs up o si yo beech babe, make us jealous there lapping up all that surf and sun, catch awave for us, wado stuck in land!

10-25-2005, 10:34 AM	#34 (permalink)
walela49 the legal plumes lady! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: www.walela49.com Posts: 1,160	paler than most NDNs...darker than most whitefolks...I like my super-spy-double-identity!!!!! LOL __________________ See my trading post ads See my photo gallery See walela49's myspace page