I was reading a CBC article today about a conference that took place in Winnipeg which discussed how the legacy of residential schools have and are currently affecting Aboriginal people, and as I was reading the comments beneath the news story, I was shocked by how many of them were negative, unconstructive and downright ignorant.
The overall narrative of the story was that residential schools severely damaged those Aboriginal people involved (taken away from families, physical and mental abuse, etc.) and as a result a legacy of resentment and anger has pervaded within Aboriginal communities and on reserves—an unfortunate reality which has negatively impacted Aboriginal youth. Some of the comments include: “This "self-pity" gongshow has gone on long enough. Start to contribute to society & you'll see how much it will improve”, “[Aboriginals] need to move forward and get integrated into Canadian society and not try and blame other people for their troubles. Suck it up”, and “I don't see why the government doesn't just give EVERYBODY all the money they want [sarcastic]”. I can tell you with 100% certainly that Aboriginal people, Aboriginal scholars, and those who have studied Aboriginal politics and history (aka INFORMED citizens) would find these comments deeply insulting and inconsiderate.
I find this particular political behaviour (citizen resentment of Aboriginal people) to be incredibly unsettling, and when ignorant comments—many bordering on hate—are made about Aboriginal people by other Canadians, I can’t help but feel disgusted. It’s amazing how oblivious some citizens are of Canada’s history: a history which is blemished by instances of Aboriginal abuse and exploitation by many Canadian (and pre-confederate) governments.
Yes, it is true that a disproportionate amount of Aboriginal people commit crimes. Yes, it is true that many bands, reserves and communities are seeking money from the federal government. Yes, it is true that many Aboriginal nations are legitimately upset and interested in self-determination…but does that make it O.K. to mock or criticize Aboriginal people and disregard a history of maltreatment? Is it fair to generalize and call Aboriginal people greedy, ungrateful or whiny? Last time I checked, the social and economic conditions on reserves are horrendous, and the standard living for an Aboriginal person is significantly lower than that of an average Canadian. Wouldn’t you complain if were treated like a second-class citizen?
Canadians who make ignorant statements about Aboriginal people need to get off of their high horses and enroll in educational courses about Canadian history (with ABORIGINAL perspectives represented) before they open their mouths. Reading comments like the ones mentioned above seriously make me embarrassed to be Canadian.
I agree with everything that you have said in this post. It boggles my mind that so many people judge, without taking into consideration the social history that has led to this situation.
ReplyDeleteI have found myself questioning this issues a lot this last year, as I have decided to apply for my Metis status. We have learnt a great deal about my family history as of late and have realized we are Algonquin Metis. We've always known we had some aboriginal heritage, but actually seeing it in writing was something else.
It is because of this ignorance of the general public that I have questioned not even getting my status. It's difficult to identify with a minority which is still ad degraded as it is by many people in our country. Because of this, it almost seems simpler to just ignore the status all together.
People need to understand that we are not going to get anywhere with ignorance and hatred.
"enroll in educational courses about Canadian history (with ABORIGINAL perspectives represented) before they open their mouths." At least we go to get educated; they receive free schooling and don't bother to use it because the federal government is still breast-feeding them, while we have to spend $6000 a year on tuition. Enough is enough; this is 2012, like Darwin said the survival of the fittest; if they choose to work and earn income then good for them, but if the federal government keeps dishing out hard-workers tax dollars to these people it’s going to be a loss cause, that is simply futile.
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