Module notes #3 Indigenous Racism and Discrimination Eqan Omar It is vital, in order to create a society that is fairer and more equal, to recognize and challenge these negative myths. Let us make it a point to actively listen to the voices of Indigenous people, to gain knowledge from their experiences, and to strive toward a future that respects their rights and sovereignty (Michelin, O. 2021).
At the present, we are experiencing a time of awakening, during which debates are taking
place concerning racism and prejudice that is inherent in institutions (Michelin, O. 2021). Culture, policies, institutions, and power structures are all susceptible to being altered by narrative's transformative potential. It is possible for us to make a contribution to the elimination of systematic racism and the promotion of understanding and empathy if we highlight the voices of indigenous peoples who are genuine and contradict harmful myths (Michelin, O. 2021).
The prevailing discourses in American society have historically dehumanized Native Americans and African Americans. The aforementioned narratives rationalized their forced removal, enslavement, genocide, and criminalization on the grounds of the purported "greater good" and "progress" of the nation (Echohawk, 2021).
The media's failure to portray Indigenous people accurately and the reinforcement of detrimental prejudices are results of the perpetuation of toxic stereotypes. The implications of these narratives for Native, African American, and brown communities are tangible and fatal (Echohawk, 2021). As a result of European colonization, indigenous peoples have been subjected to forced assimilation, genocide, and subsequent relocation over the course of many centuries. The uprooting of their civilizations left permanent wounds that are still visible in the present day. There were substantial societal disruptions as a result of the slow process of the United States dominating Indigenous countries. These disruptions included poverty, drug misuse,
alcohol abuse, disproportionately high health issues, bad education, and insufficient healthcare (Chu, C. n.d.).
Indigenous communities continue to be dogged by the legacy of injustices that occurred in the past. Indigenous American children were forcefully taken from their families, languages, and traditional traditions as a result of policies such as forced assimilation programs among other
policies (Kumar, P 2020).
These practices have resulted in collective and intergenerational trauma, which has left deep scars and had an impact on several aspects of well-being, including physical, emotional, and psychological health (Kumar, P 2020). To conclude, Indigenous peoples must immediately reclaim their own narratives and legends. Narratives were weaponized by colonialism in order to portray Indigenous people as filthy, dangerous, and devoid of compassion. Indigenous communities can challenge these detrimental narratives and assert their sovereignty by narrating their own experiences. Recognizing racism's effect is key. Indigenous communities need space to share their tales, recover their narratives, and assert sovereignty. We can fight systemic racism and promote empathy by promoting Indigenous voices and questioning misconceptions.
