Where White Man Went Wrong

This is just for fun.  Another internet meme making the rounds.  Thought it would be worth a post.  *Original Source Unknown

But please read below the entry for some good Native American reading.

Where White Man Went Wrong

Indian Chief ‘Two Eagles’ was asked by a white U.S. government official, “you have observed the white man for 90 years.  You’ve seen his wars and his technological advances.  You’ve seen his progress, and the damage he’s done.”

The Chief nodded in agreement.

The official continued, “Considering all these events, in your opinion, where did the white man go wrong?”

The Chief stared at the government official then replied, “When white man find land, Indians running it, no taxes, no debt, plenty buffalo, plenty beaver, clean water.  Women did all the work.  Medicine man free.  Indian man spend all day hunting and fishing; all night having sex.”

Then the chief leaned back and smiled, “Only white man dumb enough to think he could improve system like that.”

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As I mentioned, the above is just for fun and thought it post-worthy.  On a serious note however, what actually happened back then was not funny and the white man did a lot of horrible things.  It would be called “genocide” today.  But on the other hand the Native Americans were constantly at war with one another.  History is never as clean and neat as some historians would like to make it.  But for those of you who are looking for some great Native American reading please read about George Catlin.

There are many books on Native Americans but one I’ve read recently (Mr. Catlin) was written by an artist who ventured into the “wilderness” when a lot of territory still belonged to the Native Americans.  I highly doubt most people even know this exists but thought I would pass it along if you would like an honest view into Native American life and from one who truly tried to understand new and unique cultures.

1. Main website – http://www.georgecatlin.org/

2. Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Catlin

3. George Catlin Papers – These papers have been made into a book and can be found for free on the internet if one is willing to look hard enough.  I found my free copies using the Stanza app on the Iphone.

http://www.aaa.si.edu/collectionsonline/catlgeor/

Also, a wonderful magazine is put out by the National Museum of the American Indian. I sometimes donate to various Native American groups and ended up getting a subscription to this magazine. I really enjoy it because it gives you a perspective from the Native American’s themselves, not the whitewashed version of events we’re all taught in elementary school and through most major media outlets.
Link: https://www.americanindianmagazine.org/

By Mateo de Colón

Global Citizen! こんにちは!僕の名前はマットです. Es decir soy Mateo. Aussi, je m'appelle Mathieu. Likes: Languages, Cultures, Computers, History, being Alive! (^.^)/