Those Whacky Germans
This interest of American Indian culture by the Germans has led to several hundred "hobbyist" groups whose members play "Indian" on the weekends, he said. They hold pow wows, spiritual ceremonies including naming and Pipe ceremonies and sweats. They try to live as American Indians did in the 1800s basing their information about American Indians on books and believe they are maintaining traditional beliefs and ways of American Indians, Namingha said.
"They are like a living museum and I find it very offensive, especially when they refuse to let true American Indians participate in their events. They say we're too modern and believe we've lost our Native Americanness. They can't seem to understand that our culture, just like theirs, has evolved from the 17th century to the 21st," he said.
http://www.indiancountry.com/?2587
Hrm...how come he does not seem to question the German assumption that their practicing "native american culture" is somehow "native american" when that's not actually what they are doing? I mean, if it's a bunch of non-indigenous people reading from books what they think authentic indigenous culture is, then holy crap!!!! it ain't "authentic"
whatta messed up world
"They are like a living museum and I find it very offensive, especially when they refuse to let true American Indians participate in their events. They say we're too modern and believe we've lost our Native Americanness. They can't seem to understand that our culture, just like theirs, has evolved from the 17th century to the 21st," he said.
http://www.indiancountry.com/?2587
Hrm...how come he does not seem to question the German assumption that their practicing "native american culture" is somehow "native american" when that's not actually what they are doing? I mean, if it's a bunch of non-indigenous people reading from books what they think authentic indigenous culture is, then holy crap!!!! it ain't "authentic"
whatta messed up world