How to deal with racist disrespect

[WiccanLiberal]

TEN-YEAR-OLD WUKCHUMNI BOY’S REFUSAL TO SING DEROGATORY SONG LEADS TO ITS REMOVAL FROM SCHOOLVISALIA, CALIFORNIA – Fourth-grader Alex Fierro, a member of the Wukchumni (Yokut) tribe, proves one person’s action–or lack of action–can make a difference. He is already at his young age a catalyst for change in his school district. Alex, 10, refused to sing “21 Missions” in his music class. “21 Missions” is a song that glorifies all 21 Catholic missions in California.
Once his class at Shannon Ranch Elementary in Visalia, California were given the words of “21 Missions” to sing, Alex did not feel right about singing the song. Alex told his mother, Debra Fierro, about the song and asked her to write a letter to his teacher so he would not have to sing the song. His mother asked him to tell her about the song, and he refused to speak any of it. She asked him to bring the song home and he did the next day.
On Friday, April 24, 2015, his mother read the song and she notified the Wukchumni Tribal Council and elders to share the song. Debra Fierro and the tribal leaders were outraged by the lyrics that they found to be derogatory towards American Indians.
“21 Missions” lyrcis include:

“MEN OF FAITH, THE GOOD NEWS PREACHING/ PRAYING, TEACHING, SEARCHING, REACHING/ OUT TO THE RED MAN’S SOUL/ OH, WHAT A NOBLE GOAL.”
AND “COME LITTLE INDIAN DANCE WITH ME.”By Monday, April 27, 2015, letters to Alex’s teacher, principal, and superintendent of Visalia Unified Schools District (VUSD) were sent asking to have the song removed from the curriculum.
Alex’s mother received messages from the principal and assistant superintendent that night, stating that they would address the issue the following day. Many of our tribal members took to Facebook to share this story and gain support for the school board meeting the following day.
The Wukchumni Tribal Chair Darlene Franco wrote emails and made phone calls to VUSD officials calling for the song’s removal from the entire district’s curriculum.
By the afternoon, she had spoken to the VUSD Board President who assured her that the song was being removed and would never be put back into the district. She let him know that representatives from the Wukchumni Tribe would be attending the School Board meeting that evening to address this issue, and he encouraged us to do so. About 30 supporters attended the meeting, four of whom read letters to the board: Darlene Franco (Wukchumni), Debra Fierro (Wukchumni), Yaynicut Franco (Wukchumni), and Cristina Gonzales (Chumash).
After the remarks by the tribal representatives, the VUSD Board President apologized on his behalf and stated that the song has been removed.
Last Friday, May 1, 2015, the assistant superintendent and Alex’s music teacher had a meeting with Alex, Debra, and Darlene to formally apologize to Alex.

Strikes me as a very self aware and sensible child. A lot of kids would have said nothing and gone along because everyone else did, perpetuating a nasty racial stereotype.

[Gunny]

TEN-YEAR-OLD WUKCHUMNI BOY’S REFUSAL TO SING DEROGATORY SONG LEADS TO ITS REMOVAL FROM SCHOOL

VISALIA, CALIFORNIA – Fourth-grader Alex Fierro, a member of the Wukchumni (Yokut) tribe, proves one person’s action–or lack of action–can make a difference. He is already at his young age a catalyst for change in his school district. Alex, 10, refused to sing “21 Missions” in his music class. “21 Missions” is a song that glorifies all 21 Catholic missions in California.
Once his class at Shannon Ranch Elementary in Visalia, California were given the words of “21 Missions” to sing, Alex did not feel right about singing the song. Alex told his mother, Debra Fierro, about the song and asked her to write a letter to his teacher so he would not have to sing the song. His mother asked him to tell her about the song, and he refused to speak any of it. She asked him to bring the song home and he did the next day.
On Friday, April 24, 2015, his mother read the song and she notified the Wukchumni Tribal Council and elders to share the song. Debra Fierro and the tribal leaders were outraged by the lyrics that they found to be derogatory towards American Indians.
“21 Missions” lyrcis include:
“MEN OF FAITH, THE GOOD NEWS PREACHING/ PRAYING, TEACHING, SEARCHING, REACHING/ OUT TO THE RED MAN’S SOUL/ OH, WHAT A NOBLE GOAL.”

AND “COME LITTLE INDIAN DANCE WITH ME.”


By Monday, April 27, 2015, letters to Alex’s teacher, principal, and superintendent of Visalia Unified Schools District (VUSD) were sent asking to have the song removed from the curriculum.
Alex’s mother received messages from the principal and assistant superintendent that night, stating that they would address the issue the following day. Many of our tribal members took to Facebook to share this story and gain support for the school board meeting the following day.
The Wukchumni Tribal Chair Darlene Franco wrote emails and made phone calls to VUSD officials calling for the song’s removal from the entire district’s curriculum.
By the afternoon, she had spoken to the VUSD Board President who assured her that the song was being removed and would never be put back into the district. She let him know that representatives from the Wukchumni Tribe would be attending the School Board meeting that evening to address this issue, and he encouraged us to do so. About 30 supporters attended the meeting, four of whom read letters to the board: Darlene Franco (Wukchumni), Debra Fierro (Wukchumni), Yaynicut Franco (Wukchumni), and Cristina Gonzales (Chumash).
After the remarks by the tribal representatives, the VUSD Board President apologized on his behalf and stated that the song has been removed.
Last Friday, May 1, 2015, the assistant superintendent and Alex’s music teacher had a meeting with Alex, Debra, and Darlene to formally apologize to Alex.

Strikes me as a very self aware and sensible child. A lot of kids would have said nothing and gone along because everyone else did, perpetuating a nasty racial stereotype.

A punk kid making a whole bunch out of nothing? There's no hero here. Except that those who live on the fringe seem to love going against the grain. A 9 years old idealist. Really. More like Mom and/or Dad put him up to it.

I hate math. Always have. If I protested I just got an "F" out of the deal.

We're ALL Americans. People need to get over trying to be something else.

[WiccanLiberal]

I think we will have to disagree with this one. Many things remain in general use in schools and elsewhere without people giving much thought to the message they carry. The message in that lyric is the superiority of the European religious colonists over the native peoples, couched in a children's song. It's especially insensitive when some of the students have native roots. By allowing it to stand, it is being tacitly approved. My thought was that this young kid had done a fine thing by saying he did not wish to be made to sing this. I stand behind that opinion. You, of course, have a right to yours.

[revelarts]

I'm not sure but aren't some Native American tribes just members of their OWN nations, and not the U.S.. Sure they are American in the same sense that Bolivians and Canadians are "americans" but I'm not sure about U.S. status. I wonder how that works with the Wukchumni (Yokut) tribe specifically.

The song is interesting. not too offensive IMO but yeah there's a sensitivity issue there. "come lil ol whitey dance with me" yeah. And if your not a christian, converting the "indians" or anyone else to Catholicism wouldn't be a song you could sing with any sincerity. Or be forced to sing.
But it's probably something that should be heard or noted as part of California history though, even if not sung by the students.

[WiccanLiberal]

I'm not sure but aren't some Native American tribes just members of their OWN nations, and not the U.S.. Sure they are American in the same sense that Bolivians and Canadians are "americans" but I'm not sure about U.S. status. I wonder how that works with the Wukchumni (Yokut) tribe specifically.

The song is interesting. not too offensive IMO but yeah there's a sensitivity issue there. "come lil ol whitey dance with me" yeah. And if your not a christian, converting the "indians" or anyone else to Catholicism wouldn't be a song you could sing with any sincerity.
It's probably something that should be heard as part of California history though, even if not sung by the students.
Yep, gotta say I think you hit a solution there. People don't learn well if the errors of the past are not demonstrated. The song does relate an important lesson in history with both positive and negative elements to it. It should open up discussion on the subject.

[Gunny]

I think we will have to disagree with this one. Many things remain in general use in schools and elsewhere without people giving much thought to the message they carry. The message in that lyric is the superiority of the European religious colonists over the native peoples, couched in a children's song. It's especially insensitive when some of the students have native roots. By allowing it to stand, it is being tacitly approved. My thought was that this young kid had done a fine thing by saying he did not wish to be made to sing this. I stand behind that opinion. You, of course, have a right to yours.

Perhaps. This country is based and was founded by "superior European religious colonists". There's nothing insensitive about the same being proud of who we are. Or we can turn this backwards from what you say and wonder why minority pride should trump majority pride? I don't have a problem with anyone being proud of who and what they are just so long as they aren't trying to shove it down my throat via legislation.

The "native" people you seem to be so proud of murdered an entire race of inuits that covered this nation. They're no better than anyone else, and in fact, were more savage than Europeans.

Tradition is tradition. Most of it's European. I'm not European but I can still get "tradition". Making a big deal out of it, or something like your OP is nothing more than attention whoring (not you -- the kid).

[Gunny]

I'll ask you this. You don't need to answer me. Answer yourself. Your intolerance to others' intolerance makes you better how, exactly?

My favorite movie EVER:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rNDsbtwtyI

[Trigg]

I'm not sure but aren't some Native American tribes just members of their OWN nations, and not the U.S.. Sure they are American in the same sense that Bolivians and Canadians are "americans" but I'm not sure about U.S. status. I wonder how that works with the Wukchumni (Yokut) tribe specifically.

The song is interesting. not too offensive IMO but yeah there's a sensitivity issue there. "come lil ol whitey dance with me" yeah. And if your not a christian, converting the "indians" or anyone else to Catholicism wouldn't be a song you could sing with any sincerity. Or be forced to sing.
But it's probably something that should be heard or noted as part of California history though, even if not sung by the students.

They're American's just like everyone else born in the US. There is no different status.

[Gunny]

They're American's just like everyone else born in the US. There is no different status.

Their status IS different. They live on Federal land and get away with all kinds of crap because they aren't subject to state laws.

But I get the double standard. "Original Americans (not)" when they want to claim it, but above the law when they want a casino.

[aboutime]

Seems to me. Not a day, or week goes by anymore where we don't hear, or learn about somebody in this WHINY, SPOILED, UNEDUCATED nation bent on Political Correctness or Bust....where someone is insulted, offended, called a name, referred to, thought about, dreamed about, laughed at, or scolded over STUPID STUFF.

"I know it sounds dumb, but all of this endless BULL SHIT we hear could all go away if....EVERYBODY MINDED THEIR OWN BUSINESS, or GREW A PAIR to go along with A BRAIN capable of THINKING, and taking PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for their own STUPIDITY."
(a quote from aboutime)

[Trigg]

Their status IS different. They live on Federal land and get away with all kinds of crap because they aren't subject to state laws.

But I get the double standard. "Original Americans (not)" when they want to claim it, but above the law when they want a casino.

His question was whether they are citizens of their own nations and not the US. I am aware that reservations have their own police and different laws that they follow.

[WiccanLiberal]

With all the news screaming about violence and racism, I rather thought this story demonstrated a different point. For one, where does racism originate? In what we learn as children. And I don't believe anything that is racially offensive belongs in a public institution except as a teaching tool of an historic wrong. This matter was resolved without violence and with some reasoned dialogue. How do we want this done? Personally I would rather hear the issues raised verbally than fought out in the streets. And yes, we can take politically correct too far. But I don't think that this reaches that point either. Why should a people forcibly stripped of their culture be forced to praise their conquerors? I am not ashamed of my mixed European and British Isles background. And I know my family were more oppressed than oppressors when they immigrated to these shores. That doesn't mean I am insensitive to the wrongs inflicted on others. Should I have to answer for them? No. Should I make them worse? Hell no.

[Perianne]

Wiccan, forgive me. What was offensive about the song? I actually looked up the original article and tried to understand, but I'm not seeing it. Maybe I am not close enough to Indian culture to understand.

[WiccanLiberal]

Wiccan, forgive me. What was offensive about the song? I actually looked up the original article and tried to understand, but I'm not seeing it. Maybe I am not close enough to Indian culture to understand.
What he and his family were upset about was that the song lyric refers to the European missionaries as bringing the benefits of their culture when the history shows how they actually wiped out a culture. And the reference to "dance little Indian" as if the native peoples should join in with the celebration. It's rather like asking a Harlem high school to sing Dixie.

[Gunny]

With all the news screaming about violence and racism, I rather thought this story demonstrated a different point. For one, where does racism originate? In what we learn as children. And I don't believe anything that is racially offensive belongs in a public institution except as a teaching tool of an historic wrong. This matter was resolved without violence and with some reasoned dialogue. How do we want this done? Personally I would rather hear the issues raised verbally than fought out in the streets. And yes, we can take politically correct too far. But I don't think that this reaches that point either. Why should a people forcibly stripped of their culture be forced to praise their conquerors? I am not ashamed of my mixed European and British Isles background. And I know my family were more oppressed than oppressors when they immigrated to these shores. That doesn't mean I am insensitive to the wrongs inflicted on others. Should I have to answer for them? No. Should I make them worse? Hell no.

Racism originates with people's fear of difference.

You don't believe, huh? No such thing as a perfect world. And I totally agree with letting people say what they think. The enemy is easier to identify when you let him run his mouth.

I like your argument. Now apply it to white people.

[aboutime]

What he and his family were upset about was that the song lyric refers to the European missionaries as bringing the benefits of their culture when the history shows how they actually wiped out a culture. And the reference to "dance little Indian" as if the native peoples should join in with the celebration. It's rather like asking a Harlem high school to sing Dixie.

Quote Originally Posted by WiccanLiberal View Post
With all the news screaming about violence and racism, I rather thought this story demonstrated a different point. For one, where does racism originate? In what we learn as children. And I don't believe anything that is racially offensive belongs in a public institution except as a teaching tool of an historic wrong. This matter was resolved without violence and with some reasoned dialogue. How do we want this done? Personally I would rather hear the issues raised verbally than fought out in the streets. And yes, we can take politically correct too far. But I don't think that this reaches that point either. Why should a people forcibly stripped of their culture be forced to praise their conquerors? I am not ashamed of my mixed European and British Isles background. And I know my family were more oppressed than oppressors when they immigrated to these shores. That doesn't mean I am insensitive to the wrongs inflicted on others. Should I have to answer for them? No. Should I make them worse? Hell no.



WiccanLiberal. I tend to agree with you on all of your points above until...WE must all accept that THOSE OF US LIVING TODAY...are not responsible for all of the wrongs of the past...like Slavery. But we must also find ways to EDUCATE those Americans who depend on blaming ALL OF US TODAY, like Al Sharpton does..for the sins of the past that WE HAVE NO PART IN, and WANT TO SEE GONE like everyone else.
Problem is. WE (as white people) are FORBIDDEN from daring to discuss the racism because we are not Uneducated Enough to always fall for the EXTORTION techniques that give AL, and JESSE, with OBAMA the power they need to BLAME fellow Americans that DO NOT LOOK LIKE THEM....because WE ALLOW THEM TO DO IT.

Black radicals DO NOT WANT THE RACIST problems to go away, or be solved. Without the threats of WHITEY, and WE CRACKERS holding them down (just a joke) and preventing them from getting ahead (only because Democrats do not want Blacks to be educated, or become knowledgeable).
So...OBAMA and friends love keeping us ALL divided. IT FILLS THEIR CHECKBOOKS.

[WiccanLiberal]

Quote Originally Posted by WiccanLiberal View Post
With all the news screaming about violence and racism, I rather thought this story demonstrated a different point. For one, where does racism originate? In what we learn as children. And I don't believe anything that is racially offensive belongs in a public institution except as a teaching tool of an historic wrong. This matter was resolved without violence and with some reasoned dialogue. How do we want this done? Personally I would rather hear the issues raised verbally than fought out in the streets. And yes, we can take politically correct too far. But I don't think that this reaches that point either. Why should a people forcibly stripped of their culture be forced to praise their conquerors? I am not ashamed of my mixed European and British Isles background. And I know my family were more oppressed than oppressors when they immigrated to these shores. That doesn't mean I am insensitive to the wrongs inflicted on others. Should I have to answer for them? No. Should I make them worse? Hell no.



WiccanLiberal. I tend to agree with you on all of your points above until...WE must all accept that THOSE OF US LIVING TODAY...are not responsible for all of the wrongs of the past...like Slavery. But we must also find ways to EDUCATE those Americans who depend on blaming ALL OF US TODAY, like Al Sharpton does..for the sins of the past that WE HAVE NO PART IN, and WANT TO SEE GONE like everyone else.
Problem is. WE (as white people) are FORBIDDEN from daring to discuss the racism because we are not Uneducated Enough to always fall for the EXTORTION techniques that give AL, and JESSE, with OBAMA the power they need to BLAME fellow Americans that DO NOT LOOK LIKE THEM....because WE ALLOW THEM TO DO IT.

Black radicals DO NOT WANT THE RACIST problems to go away, or be solved. Without the threats of WHITEY, and WE CRACKERS holding them down (just a joke) and preventing them from getting ahead (only because Democrats do not want Blacks to be educated, or become knowledgeable).
So...OBAMA and friends love keeping us ALL divided. IT FILLS THEIR CHECKBOOKS.

Think what you are saying is racism points both ways. I agree. There is a point where standing up for your people tips somehow into trying to stand on others.