May 17, 2007

Racism among Indians

Maillard:  Black and red

Racial exclusion in Indian countryTribal life for Black Indians can be difficult. Mixed-blood Indians have been told to "go back to Africa." Tribal meetings escalate to roaring sessions of racist rhetoric, with animal noises, stomping feet and cow calls for "blacks to get the hell out." Blatant proponents of exclusion have no shame in publicly declaring, "We're trying to keep the black people out."

While such behavior has been shunned since the civil rights era, it thrives in some parts of Indian country. This is sovereignty.

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