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When some people hear of my native roots im always questioned.Hollywood has made it hard on alot of us. My wifes family well real indians dont have facial hair there hair is strait and they are all deep tan color.But you look at any race youll see diffrent shades of brown. Im not a full blood I know im quarter cherokee on my moms side. And im discovering now on my dads side.How much can one take.Alot of people think you got to be a full breed or half breed to be considerd a true native. I carry alot of the native traits but because i can grow facial hair makes me not related does it mean it dosent count. Should I keep it to myself to stop a heated discusion . Or let everyone think im italian not that its bad or anything but for the sake of argument.People of native blood have asked me what tribe are you. Some can tell my background and some cant.Dont get me wrong im proud of the other blood lines too.But when you talk about your native heritage it seems to get heated.I dont go running around stiring things up.In the past and even now im question about how dark my hair is or my eyes look asian my skin is kinda dark.People want to know my race and back ground. I guess what im trying to say is why do people make an issue of it. How much is too much native and whats not enough native.My grandmother grandfather and mother you can look at them and theres no question about it.Ihope im not being anal about this or am I just trying to belong like my grandfather and mother do.Maybe you guys can tell me what im getting at because i really dont know.I dont want to brush off my heritage.Am i german indian or just say im an american just to play it safe.Where do people like me belong or are we just on the side lines observing. I guess i want some exceptance or closer i dont really know right now. Should i just throw in the towel . Im just wondering if any of you feel the same way at times.If you do let me know your thoughts and views on this.And forgive me if im over reacting on this subject. But i have alot of pride and know who i am im just tired of people trying to tell me other wise. Thanks to everyone who reads this and replys to it .Hope to hear everyones view. later your freind ChrisL.Hudson……..
Hi,
I just recently posted a Thread called, “Idenify & Comfort Level”. At times I get frustrated too.
Erica
Chris,
You sound like a very dear person. I’d say no, don’t throw in the towel, and no you are not over reacting. People don’t seem to understand how sensitive an issue this is with mixed folks like us. I have been hurt a lot by white and black alike. And, hurt even more by full bloods who only seem to identify with other full bloods. The mixing between the ethnicities has been done in such a disrespctful manner in this country that it has caused a lot of pain. Pain that many do not want to address. Your question..”Where do people like me fit in” is something I have restled with my entire life. I say, continue walking with pride and honor your ancestors. Don’t let anyone categorize you. Rather, continue to educate those who seek to pigeon hole you, thereby uplifting them and yourself.
Good luck
Deirdre
Chris,
Man do I understand. My father was a lightskinned white man he was very fair due to this I am alot fairer than my mother. People say yeah right when I mention my native roots(except whem I am on my home turf because there everyone knows who my mother is). When people down here in Alabama meet my mother they look at me and say she’s your mother so I lift my glasses and say can’t you see it around my eyes. They look startled and say yes I see it now from that point on when I mention my native roots they never say the yeah right anymore. They know I speak the truth but it’s sad that they can’t just believe me. My facial structure is just like my mothers but I have blonde hair and light skin. My mother on the other hand has dark hair and darker skin. There are so many sterotypes and people get trapped into believing crap that just is not true. I have thought at times about not telling people who I am and not talking about my childhood and different things I was taught because they just don’t believe me but if I did that I would be denying the reality of who my mother is and who my grandparents were and I can’t do that because these are people who had a big part in making me who I am and they have protected me and loved me dearly throughout my life. I am indian and I am white that is the reality of who I am and I was taught parts of both cultures. I cannot not deny them and I cannot deny myself. I am who I am their beliefs and reactions are unimportant it doesn’t matter what they say about me. Just be you Chris regardless of what other people think because it is yourself you have to sleep with at night and it is yourself you have to deal with if you deny who you are and believe me what you can do to yourself is far worst then what any of them can do to you.
Linda
Chris,
As most here can tell you, this is a common problem. I think Deirdre said it all. Respect for your ancestors is Number 1 in my opinion. We’re all unique people, each one of us brings special qualities and that’s a great thing. Those that don’t see this “have issues” of their own as my daughters say. Before I had researched my NA heritage, I used to say, “Being an Indian is a state of mind and heart”, and not about blood. Some would probably say that’s only what people say who are “wannabees”. There may be some truth in that. I know who I am and I’m comfortable with myself. I don’t place a lot of stock in what others think. They don’t have to “walk my road”, only I have to. It’s my experience that people who are insecure with themselves tend to bash others. I guess it’s a “projection thing”, accusing others of what they most fear about themselves. We’re all individuals. Be proud of who you are but not arrogant. Allow others to be who they are. That’s my philosophy. And don’t let other people’s opinions sway you in what you know is right for you. Don’t let other people’s “baggage” weigh you down. Soar with eagles and don’t flock with the turkeys! Have a great day!
Jim
Chris,
Please disregard the last post. We on Saponitown do not feel that way. You are who you are and tribal membership or anything else can not change that. Read some of our positive and encouraging post. That will keep you uplifted.
Peace to you my Native brother
Haliwagirl
Quantification of Indian blood is silly. You are either are born with the heritage or your not. Many people with Native heritage are not enrolled in a tribe for so many reasons. If someone can proove their heritage by way of sound genealogy then I say they have every right to claim their birthright. Whether you are precieved as White, Black, Red, Yellow, Brown or what ever it makes no difference. Know what your own story is and choose the proper times and places to discuss it with others. If they accept your peoples story or not matters little since they do not live in your skin. Be proud of your heritage and know that your ancestors got you here. If the tribe you come from will not enroll you for blood quantum then start a family association and celebrate your peoples heritage. There will always be nay sayers and people that want to make fun. When it boils down to it, it is all about family anyway not the outsiders.
I still say it is NOT popular to be Indian. All you need do is open your mouth that your Indian and people make fun or throw accusations around. What is so popular about that?
Nahampi pi./Good day.
A good article on the subject of blood quantum:
http://www.americanindiansource.com/bloodquantum.html
Pila huk./Thanks all.
Todd
Thank you, an excellent article. Makes me think that one of the many brutal effects of colonialism is that we all talk about race quite a bit. Racism came with colonialization.
Brenda
Chris – There is not one person on the face of this earth that can tell me who I am, what I am or where I belong! Every person in every family follows their ancestrial lineage, whites, blacks, irish, german, dutch…etc. We are who we are, because of our beautiful heritage and people. My family has always embraced our American Indian ancestry. The complexion’s in most family members differs as the hair colorations or colors can too. Looks are superfacial, but the blood that runs in your veins cannot be denied. So walk proud with the rest of us nonrecognized American Indian people, because I will be proud to walk with you, side by side!
I have replied to another one of you posts on another thread, If you’re looking for a rough time you won’t find it here on Saponi Town,
but please feel free to email me at edstp62@hotmail.com.
Thanx, Tom
Tuscarora Kid, I’ve had enough.
This site is for research into origins leading back to Indian blooded people of the NC/VA Piedmont. You are Tuscarora from the coastal plain. You are not, from what I can see, interested in historical or genealogical research in general. You are interested in current Indian politics. Every thread you have been in is filled with name calling and bashing, whether by you or others responding to you. This is outside the norms of this board you signed onto when you joined. This debate has become shrill and destructive.
Enough.
Peace, peace, is best! (the following post is not meant to be preachy! 😀 PLEASE email me if you have any questions, so as to spare confusion! or please post)
I can see how people who KNOw “off the bat”(what they are born) may get frustrated with what they may see/think as “stealing” of their culture. (Such as popularization, money making stuff, etc. etc. etc.) (This again is “general” I am not trying to speak meaning “all” Native cultues the same) THat person may have the priviledge of knowing who they are and that is great. Even better if they can pass on what can be helpful to bigger picture (ex. 7 generations forawrd)
But, no one can “help” what they are born.
This continent is one wherein mixing has happened since day 1.
(Yes, people can say their tribe was “taken” “watered” down etc.)
But what of the descendants?
Is it not as legit to see what of this unique history of this continent?
I would liek to comment, I have been trusted by “full bloods”, traditional, and on an on. I respect their culture (meaning particular native culture since each is different), approach with caution and go from there. I have had different situations here I have had to have a “stiff upper lip”.
I have had situatiosn where I am the only (I will say “white”, for the sake of the thread, email me if you want to speak to me personal stuff) person in the room, and being the minority and being held to “speak: for the “whole race” etc. (ex. early 20s etc. at school etc.) It caused me to grow,
I have felt guilt all that stuff, and com e out teh otehr side.
I am saying, I for one, HAVE been accepted by full bloods, so, please, opinions of one person can be that, one person, in ANY culture. I have been for one encouraged to do research.
I won’t go on. If folks want to email me that is fine. 🙂
I’m at the end of a long road, myself like others, re at least doing research, are doing what they do, c’est la vie.
I just want to give some positive words to folks. Keep going.
THank you, Pila Huc Linda for the group.
It means alot ot alot of folks.
Be well,
Sycamoreheart
lol I won’t go on, but I want to say, when folks post, you don’t know who is reading, their experience or who they know.
REspect is key.
Oneh
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