For every cause there is a group of people who organize themselves so that they can find support for the issue. It doesn't even have to be a serious social cause. Some groups focus on, for instance, their support for or mutual dislike for a celebrity or a sports team. Often the members of these groups share a similar background, for instance the same ethnicity. In the United States, for instance, there are Native American organizations that deal with a huge variety of causes.
Currently less than 2 percent of Americans identify themselves as Native American. They can be of the tribes often referred to as Indians or they can be indigenous Alaskans or Hawaiians too. Most Indians live outside of reservation land but whether they live on their tribal lands or in the cities, they face a number of issues simply because of their ancestry.
One of the main problems American Indians have to deal with is the stereotypes that exist about them. Many of these stereotypes are the result of how they've been portrayed by Hollywood. The most common archetypes are those of the wise and noble yet still uncivilized tribesman, the bloodthirsty warrior, the alcoholic and the sidekick who is often used for comic effect. In reality people of indigenous descent are much more varied and complex, just like people from other ethnic backgrounds. Several groups make it their mission to prevent the perpetuation of unfair stereotypes.
Another focus for many groups is the fight against discrimination. They fight for indigenous rights and political representation. Some groups also concentrate on promoting their tribal culture and traditions.
Red Nations people have been representing their heritage through their professions but often find that they still need the support of like-minded colleagues. Professional associations for indigenous people include groups for lawyers, business leaders, artists, writers, journalists and even cowboys on the rodeo circuit. They nurture younger talent and help their members. Other groups that provide support and assistance to their members are associations for war veterans.
For various reasons, problems like poverty, violence, crime and drug and alcohol abuse are rife among the Native population. Many groups try to address these issues, for instance through the use of college funds or literacy programs that will provide more marketable skills and improve people's socio-economic circumstances. Groups like the Indian Health Service work with specific health issues such as diabetes, which is also prevalent among those of indigenous extraction.
Just like in society as a whole, indigenous peoples also struggle with environmental issues. The Indigenous Environmental Network is one organization that tries to find ways to address and prevent environmental problems on a more general scale. Often there are also more grassroots groups that deal with a specific issue, for instance plans for mining or fracking on their land.
With the huge variety of Native American organizations in the USA, it's not difficult to find one that is suited to your interests. An online search is a good place to start. Otherwise, you'll find information in publications like newspapers or magazines such as Native Peoples Magazine, aimed at people of indigenous extraction.
Currently less than 2 percent of Americans identify themselves as Native American. They can be of the tribes often referred to as Indians or they can be indigenous Alaskans or Hawaiians too. Most Indians live outside of reservation land but whether they live on their tribal lands or in the cities, they face a number of issues simply because of their ancestry.
One of the main problems American Indians have to deal with is the stereotypes that exist about them. Many of these stereotypes are the result of how they've been portrayed by Hollywood. The most common archetypes are those of the wise and noble yet still uncivilized tribesman, the bloodthirsty warrior, the alcoholic and the sidekick who is often used for comic effect. In reality people of indigenous descent are much more varied and complex, just like people from other ethnic backgrounds. Several groups make it their mission to prevent the perpetuation of unfair stereotypes.
Another focus for many groups is the fight against discrimination. They fight for indigenous rights and political representation. Some groups also concentrate on promoting their tribal culture and traditions.
Red Nations people have been representing their heritage through their professions but often find that they still need the support of like-minded colleagues. Professional associations for indigenous people include groups for lawyers, business leaders, artists, writers, journalists and even cowboys on the rodeo circuit. They nurture younger talent and help their members. Other groups that provide support and assistance to their members are associations for war veterans.
For various reasons, problems like poverty, violence, crime and drug and alcohol abuse are rife among the Native population. Many groups try to address these issues, for instance through the use of college funds or literacy programs that will provide more marketable skills and improve people's socio-economic circumstances. Groups like the Indian Health Service work with specific health issues such as diabetes, which is also prevalent among those of indigenous extraction.
Just like in society as a whole, indigenous peoples also struggle with environmental issues. The Indigenous Environmental Network is one organization that tries to find ways to address and prevent environmental problems on a more general scale. Often there are also more grassroots groups that deal with a specific issue, for instance plans for mining or fracking on their land.
With the huge variety of Native American organizations in the USA, it's not difficult to find one that is suited to your interests. An online search is a good place to start. Otherwise, you'll find information in publications like newspapers or magazines such as Native Peoples Magazine, aimed at people of indigenous extraction.
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire