I have heard and talked to many, who say that American Indians should “get over the past.” I wonder how they can say this with such ease. How can someone get over the genocide, oppression, and dreadful aftermath? Furthermore, how can they “get over” something that is relived every day? It may be relieved through living in poverty and on the land where the genocide occurred, viewing how Native Americans are negatively portrayed by mainstream media, or simply using U.S. currency that depict characters who represent the genocide that almost wiped out their existence.

On the other hand, if I told a so-called patriotic American to “get over” Sept. 11th, I’m sure that it would not be taken so lightly. Because our country’s ethnocentric views are so dominant and mainstream, anything that differs is viewed as a threat, deemed inferior, offensive and/or shameful. As a sports enthusiast, I really enjoy going to sporting events so I decided to check out a local baseball game. I sat in the bleachers, which were full of baseball enthusiasts. Like at any sporting event, they began by singing the national anthem. Due to what some may call a lack of patriotism, I usually do not stand up and sing along. When I practice my right to stay seated, I am looked at with disgust and sometimes called disrespectful, ignorant and even a wetback. I discussed this with my boyfriend (Iraqi war veteran), who also feels that I am being disrespectful when I don’t stand up during the national anthem. After lengthy discussion, we agreed to disagree. Although we agreed that we both support the troops but not the war, he feels that the flag and national anthem represent freedom and the troops that died, even if it was to fight an unjust war. While for me they represents a bigger picture of our country, with some being good but so much more tainted by genocide, oppression, and prejudice. No matter what, I will continue to express my views to challenge those that dominate.