call me a wagon-burner, or a cunt...LOL...when did we all suddenly go back to the 5th grade? are we harboring some useless angst here?
You sound like David Yeagley, the anti-Indian white supremacist who once wrote, "Call me savage!" Do you really want to be associated with the likes of him?
If you think these words aren't offensive, let's do a test. Forget about publishing them in a trendy magazine written for like-minded hipsters. Go visit your Native elders, your grandfathers and grandmothers, and call them "redskins" and "cunts" to their faces. Throw in some "wagon-burners" and "prairie niggers" for good measure.
Keep repeating these words till you get a reaction out of them. According to you, they'll just laugh because insults don't take money out of their pockets or joy out of their lives. Be sure to let us know if these words turn out to be as harmless as you think they are.
Consider it an assignment for the staff of Redskin magazine. If you're as intellectually bold as you think you are, you'll do it. Write a piece on how you all went home and called your elders "redskins," just like the magazine title. I look forward to reading the results.
(And spare me the empty claims that I've actually called your grandmother a "cunt" and she can therefore sue me. Talk about your worthless drivel. How ignorant of the art of rhetoric can you get?)
If you sure of your convictions, Sheena, go ahead and perform this test. If you're not willing to do it, what does that say about your convictions? That you're brave when surrounded by your fellow twentysomethings, but not so brave otherwise? That you know deep down inside that I'm right?
In case Sheena chickens out, does anyone else want to try this test? Or tell us what you think would happen? Imagine entering a tribal council of women and saying, "In my opinion, you're redskins and cunts." Imagine the outcome and share it with us.
P.S. If you want my opinion on the contents as well as the title of the magazine, Sheena, feel free to send me a copy. I'll tell you what I honestly think. But I'm not spending $8.50, or whatever you're charging on your website, to buy one.
18 comments:
Writerfella here --
Wow, the lengths some people will go through just to validate their points of view!! To 'prove' that what they deem as 'offensive' IS offensive as they so define, they MUST OFFEND in their own right! It's an old situation: they must shoot the messenger because they don't like the message. Or, as it is said in writerfella's screenplay, RUN BEFORE THE BUFFALO, "Don't shoot me, Thomas. I'm only the piano player in this particular whorehouse!" Or guilt by association, as it is known in the trades. This is Bush's philosophy: if you aren't a part of the solution, then you are a part of the problem! Life is complicated but only simpletons believe it truly is simple...
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'
Writerfella earlier said: "Rob, closely examine their logo: RED SKIN Magazine, NOT REDSKIN Magazine.".
Well, look at the logo. Not only is there no space, but the D at the end of RED very slightly overlaps the S at the beginning of SKIN.
Aside from the logo, how do they refer to themselves? On their own web psge, on the info page and everywhere else, they use "Redskin". One example of their text is "Redskin Magazine; also referred to as RSM, is at the forefront..."
Feel free, Russ, to defend some sort of magazine called "Red[space]Skin" and not "Redskin". Even if it did exist, the meaning is totally identical.
But it really is like you are talking about a magazine that is not the same one Rob is talking about.... and does not exist at all, either.
Are you talking about the lengths I'll go to to educate people about things they don't know, Russ? Yep, I'm a real dyed-in-the-wool educator, all right. And proud of it. I educated people when I wrote a few hundred articles on computer, business, and gaming subjects and I'm still educating them.
What "message" do you think I don't like? The magazine's message that most Indians are wrong to be offended by the word "redskin"? Yeah, I don't like the idea of a few youngsters telling a generation of elders how they should think and feel. Youngsters should listen to their elders, not vice versa.
I don't know about you, but "redskin" doesn't offend me personally. Why not? Because it's not directed at me. But it "bothers" me just like someone's saying the world is flat would bother me. When someone claims a word isn't offensive when the dictionary and most people say it is offensive, that person is simply wrong.
It's like you with your ignorant misspellings of "casinos" and "museums." I'm not offended that you don't know how to spell these words. But I can't pass up a chance to correct your dumb mistakes and thus educate you. Especially when you repeat these dumb mistakes in my blog.
Incidentally, your comment is yet another example of your sniping for the sake of sniping. You yourself called the word "redskin" pejorative, but now you're taking me to task for arguing your position. Not only are you too stupid to read the word "Redskin," you're too stupid to understand your own hypocrisy. Incredible.
You're right, DMarks. Red Skin would be only slightly less objectionable than Redskin because the staff's intent is clear. But since the magazine's name is Redskin, not Red Skin, the point is moot.
There's another benefit to these discussions. If you Google "Redskin magazine," you'll see my postings right below the magazine's website. My commentaries are more or less linked to the magazine.
People searching for the magazine will find and read my commentaries too. In the marketplace of ideas, the best arguments will win. I don't know about you, but I'm confident that I'm kicking Redskin's butts. Their brown-skinned butts, that is.
Writerfella here --
The logo that writerfella was sent and the prototypes of the magazine's covers feature the word RED atop the word SKIN. And now writerfella understands: the 'controversies' dusted up by NEWSPAPER ROCK and other such scaremongers is being used to the magazine's advantage! Of course! Controversy sells magazines! Just like movies or newspapers, publicity, whether positive or negative, SELLS! Keep up the good work, Rob! The first issue was a smashing success and you're guaranteeing the magazine will be around for some time to buy and to publish writerfella's stories! Huzzah!!
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'
You are really hoping for that photo spread and centerfold, aren't you?
Writerfella here --
Damn straight! writerfella wants an Adam Beach photo spread and centerfold in RED SKIN Magazine, hook or crook! Next stop, Eddie Olmos, Jr.!
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'
Apparently you're too stupid to read the evidence in front of your face, Russ. So noted.
Putting the word on two lines doesn't mean it's two separate words, doofus. It's one word split into two lines, as every other instance of the "Redskin" title proves. Duh.
Funny to see what lengths you'll go to to deny the facts, Russ. No wonder you write fiction for a living. You live in a fantasy world untouched by reality.
Wow, you finally realized that "controversy sells"? How did you come up with that "brilliant" insight? And why did it take you so much longer than the rest of us?
You keep up the good work, Russ. As I explained to you, each of your comments mentioning Redskin helps boost my ranking in Google. People searching for the magazine will find this posting and learn about the stereotypical magazine title. They'll learn how you shilled for "redskin" lovers and thus hurt your own people.
very entertaining, your no one til your talked about i guess huh?...haha, get a life dude, cause i'm living mine regardless...LOL. i dont give a shit about names or the meanings behind them...but nice to know you care.
keep writing, and indulging...express yourself freely! thats all a true writer can do
keep on keepin on'
Dear Rob,
"Are you talking about the lengths I'll go to to educate people about things they don't know, Russ? Yep, I'm a real dyed-in-the-wool educator, all right. And proud of it. I educated people when I wrote a few hundred articles on computer, business, and gaming subjects and I'm still educating them."
- you remind me of my boss. he is a 50 something white male. i am a 22 year old aboriginal female. i can relate to sheena. she's a young lady trying to make her way in this world with the odds against stacked up way so high against us. i am not into fancy writing probably because i was taught most of my life in a reserve school. what would you know about life on the reserve. have you ever been there? do u genuinly care about native people.
i think your words are harsh, and you may have no idea how hard this girl has tried to make her life good. you could be an optimist and say "she's trying to promote rock among her fellow native americans"...but your panties are in a bunch all over the name, making you a pessimist. It is Canada Day. We didn't even have the right to vote until 1960...I don't even know when aboriginal women were recognized by the Canadian goverment as humans. We've come along way!! Fuck, if you only knew... If you didn't have your head stuck so far up your ass.
i don't know how to write in all that english -babble to make yourself sound smart so i'll say it like we do. native people. b/c our 1st languages are not english. you sound like an idiot. an old white man who is picking on a little native girl. you sound like you want to be a god and everyone should worship you for what you have learned. you sound like an idoit b/c you have no fricken idea what we have to go through on a daily basis. you have no idea. you have no idea. i can't say it enough. go live on the reserve, just don't drink the water.
"Apparently you're too stupid to read the evidence in front of your face, Russ. So noted."
... If you want to talk shit and call my friend Sheena stupid, what does that make you? It makes you just as low as she apparently is.
YOU FUCKING DUMBASS.
LOL...no need for defending here, I said what I said and I stick by it, no retractions. "Mr. Shmidtty Stupidity" (I can do the name calling thing too) here knows nothing about me or how I live my life in modern ways or cultured...so if its a challenge your willing to belittle yourself to. I will win, because that's just how I do. Don't even bother.
If you wish to continue this frenzy, my friend, I do love a challenge. Maybe you will have the honor of being a real published and distributed writer someday, or have the slightest mention in something I have written that sells like hot cakes. I've been in this game since I was 13; man, roll the dice.
To know more about the wonderful fabulous life of Miss Sheena Wassegijig drop me a line!
XOXO to you avid readers of this.
additionally....
if your already a published writer...sorry i didnt do my research here, and never read anything by you or havent heard of you until you decided to place these "attacks" on my persona via the internet (lame)
but continue anyways...keep your readers coming back
I've been "in this game" since before you were born, Sheena. You'll have to try harder if you want to impress me.
I also have a life, which is why I've written and published one book, two comic books, and hundreds of articles. Why I work on a Native news site that has thousands of Native readers. And why I've been invited to Native museums to speak. I make my living as a writer--how about you?
If you think your life is better than mine, that's nice. Unfortunately, it's irrelevant to the topic of Redskin magazine. So spare us the effort to promote the "joy" that is you.
As for Anonymous--the person too afraid to sign her name--I didn't call your friend Sheena stupid. The sentences you quoted:
"Apparently you're too stupid to read the evidence in front of your face, Russ. So noted."
were addressed to frequent commenter Russell Bates (aka "writerfella"). Unless Sheena's nickname is "Russ," you misunderstood what I wrote. And wrongly chastised me for your dumbass mistake.
Re "you sound like an idoit b/c you have no fricken idea what we have to go through on a daily basis. you have no idea. you have no idea. i can't say it enough": Actually, you've said it way too much. Since I haven't offered any opinions on rez life in this thread, your comments are irrelevant. Stop telling us what you've gone through and start addressing the only issue here: Redskin magazine.
FYI, I haven't lived on a reserve or reservation, but I've visited dozens of them. How many have you visited? Let's compare the numbers and see who knows Indian country better.
Or not, since that's also irrelevant to the topic of Redskin magazine. Is anyone here willing to discuss the "redskin" issue rather than share their feelings about themselves? If so, please speak up.
P.S. If you think I'm an old man, I guess you don't believe in respecting your elders. So noted.
ha...i still dont give a shit about your crap shmidt...thats the point...
you have shown no respect to anyone in order to deserve any respect...thats why your getting all of these brash comments.
i will educate you as you should have been educated as a child...not being raised in the liberal white world.
I do not cast hate towards anyone or anything.
WISDOM: in order to better your life through the knowledge of life.
LOVE: so that you may take it to your people; to be able to teach them to speak well of each other.
RESPECT: show Respect for all things here on earth, all people, regardless of race or language.
BRAVERY: there will be a time when you have problems. So never let go what has been given to you.
HONESTY: to live the right, in an honest way, to speak well of your fellow man, to know and think through whatever life brings.
HUMILITY: try to live in harmony and balance on earth. One should not think himself above others, while walking here on earth.
And Finally
TRUTH: when all these teachings have been understood.
you need to learn acceptance and to change your way of thinking and living, you'll be happier.
lotsa luv from your favorite redskin!....LOL
~Sheena Wassegijig~
Thanks for another lengthy posting explaining how you don't care. Now that you've told us all about yourself, let's get back to the issue at hand: your use of the racial slur "redskin." Here's how it stands at the moment: Redskin Writer Ducks Challenge.
i like these responses to schmidt. don't you have anything better to do than be a stupid ass schmidt.
i especially like what jonathon garlow says. read on.
and like anonymous says: "instead of trying to find why its wrong and even worse convincing others why its wrong .. which by the way makes you a schmidty bleeding twat .. try and find why its right"
you twat .. schmidty schmidty schmidt ass .. you bleeding schmidty twat .. as much as its a yawn for you to hear your name dragged through schmidt and i know i know sticks and stones may break my bones and all that jazz .. i can't help but be amused .. but before you get bent out of shape i want to let you know .. your blogs have raised some points of interest .. your right I am not absolutely sure this wasn't a post-contact decision that the four colours red white yellow and black were some kind of crazy scheme to identify races .. i know and speak words so old schmidt maybe we did know about the other races .. maybe my ancestors did know the cancer of man and escaped it only to foretell of his inevitable arrival .. red skin .. its what i've been told all my life schmidt .. why can't you accept that .. its whats still being taught .. you keep your lexicographers cuz these are only words .. and so you know i identify myself as Haudenaushonee (Ho-din-no-sho-nee) which translates to people of the longhouse .. i also identify myself as an Onkwehon:we (Own-GWAY-hone-WAY) which translates to an original person .. I aslo identify myself by nation kanienkehaka (Ga-NYEAT-gay-HA-Ga) which translates to people of the flint (mohawk) .. i also identify myself by clan Ratiniahton or turtle clan .. and yes even onenkwentara the color red .. look at others that use red to identify: Redwire Magazine - Red Nation -Red X magazine .. i refuse to call myself indian or aboriginal .. i have however found myself using native .. if i'm talking to a white person i'll say native .. when i talk to another onkwehon:we i'll say onkwehon:we .. fact is most red ppl will identify themselves first in their own language .. its ridiculous that redskin is frowned upon .. when pushing the issue in albuquerque during one of the biggest pow wows .. everyone we spoke with LOVED it .. absolutely LOVED it .. the ppl couldn't get enough .. when we pushed it at the rogers centre in toronto the LOVE was prevalent there too .. maybe you should look past the negative .. instead of trying to find why its wrong and even worse convincing others why its wrong .. which by the way makes you a schmidty bleeding twat .. try and find why its right .. educate yourself .. yeah so twat eat a dick cuz thats what twats do .. you and your indians can fuck off .. me and my redskin'd onkwehon:we will be over here doing what we do .. what else .. you use I believe, and i think alot .. you don't know .. and you can't admit it .. what else, How did they get from these shades to black, red, yellow, and white? .. from stories past down .. our creation story tells of the good twin and the bad twin .. the good twin began to make people from the beautiful red clay and gave them life .. the bad twin wanted to make people too, so gathered white bubbles a waterfall made near by .. when he breathed life into his person .. his creation grew sick and collapsed .. the good twin made the deal that if the bad twin let him give life to his creation that he would control half his mind .. the deal was agreed and that was the creation of white people .. they worked together to make the yellow race and the black race using beautiful ingredients .. when done they gave each colour a role on earth .. the red peoples role is to stay connected to the earth .. to take care of their mother .. the white people were giving a sense of exploration .. to ask why? ..
.. gotta go
5:38 PM
Anonymous Anonymous said...
how come you haven't replied schmidt .. been waiting .. just reading through your bullshit again .. your a smart man .. but your the stupidest smartest white dude around .. just waiting to be proved wrong .. what an idiot ..
10:37 AM
Anonymous Jonathan Garlow said...
Elitists; def. a select group of people with outstanding personal abilities, intellect, wealth, specialized training or experience.
Rob Schmidt is better than the editor of Redskin Magazine. He just knows. If the world was run by this man we would have world peace, sustainable development and prosperity. His ideas are perfected, others are flawed.
Although I am not a great thinker like he obviously is, please allow me to share a few thoughts.
Stereotypes or Bust(s): Will Redskin magazine help or hurt Natives?
1. Why does Rob Schmidt care? What is the motive of this "white, anglo-saxon" columnist (colonist)? He must be here to save the "natives" with his snide brand of humor! Let's take another look at his powerful lyrics... "But for popular Native culture, you don’t need a magazine, since Newspaper Rock has it all" .. oh wait a second, maybe he is feeling threatened by the very "native subjects" he writes about. He's gotta make a living somehow, besides we can't have self-published native's writing about themselves can we?! He also wrote "How many young, urban Natives have enough disposable income to spend on this luxury item?”. Ouch. Coming from a white man this one is a low blow, I'm surprised no one caught this. Luxuries such as magazines aren't for us folk, we heard about magazines but can’t afford them. Hey thanks for helping us though.
2. Who are these "Natives" everyone keeps talking about? Everybody is a native to some extent; I enjoyed watching the natives warring against the immigrants in the Martin Scorsese film Gangs Of New York. Perhaps Mr. Schmidt wants to "help" the "Dead rabbits clan" while simultaneously "helping" the native natives... the Dead Rabbits have been oppressed for far too long! By far, Native American Indian should be the most offensive term because it implies we are Americans and not an independent nation. Even worse are "natives" talking about "our culture" .. the mysterious, ever present pan-indian omni-culture involving beating a drum and dancing. While we’re at it let’s take the color red out of the Anishnabe medicine wheel because it’s racist!! White, black, yellow and brown are the politically correct colors!
3. Self-determination. We affirm the right to define ourselves and I support Redskin in their decision to identify with this English label. Redskin can be racist when hurled from the lips of a hateful white man but these kinds of people usually will use the term ‘dirty indian’ instead; it depends on who is using the phrase and what kind of motives they have by saying it. Just hang out around Caledonia and you can hear for yourself. All English naming conventions are false anyway, why argue over which ones are more false than others. First Nations, Native American, Indian, Redman, are all non-indigenous terms. We used to call humans “Ogwehonwe” but would you want this specific magazine to utilize our original language? This could have caused even more criticism from traditionalists due to the non-traditional material in the magazine. It would then seem that you the naysayer would prefer if his magazine targeted a vague ‘minority’; perhaps they should have named the magazine ‘Non-whiteskin” instead of Redskin, or perhaps you simply wish they didn’t start a magazine at all. Either way you cannot tell another flesh and blood being how they should define themselves without being hypocritical especially when the naming is done in a foreign language. Thanks for being offended on my behalf but it’s really not necessary.
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