[NeedKarma]

I knew what the consequences would be to tell I was Cherokee, so I did not tell. I did not want to deal with the consequences.

Actually it does not matter one iota that you are Cherokee,. or asian, or jewish, or black, or a labourer, or a paraplegic. What consequences did you expect?

[tsila1777]

Actually it does not matter one iota that you are Cherokee, ... or asian, or jewish, or black, or a labourer, or a paraplegic. What consequences did you expect?

This one

[NeedKarma]

this one

I'm confused. Can you explain?

[tsila1777]

When you are a Cherokee in a mostly white community, in the 50's and 60's you do not tell. There were others and we knew who each other were. We could talk among ourselves. But if the white people knew, they would come around us, with two fingers at the back of their heads to represent feathers, and making noises while 'patting' their mouths to imitate 'our songs', and imitate our dances. They made fun of us. It was an insult to our culture.

I did not mean that I would face consequences on this board, I meant as a young girl, 5 years old, in school. My 'tan' lasted through the winter, but my eyes are green and my hair was blond, but quickly turned to what is considered a dark brown. I could pass as white. That is what we had to do, pass as white, or be tormented by other children.

As I grew older, I proudly announced that I am Cherokee. I accepted the consequences.

This was a small part of a very long message directed to Margog, and has no importance on its own. It was to give an example that I know, at least to some degree, how it feels to be harassed by others who do not like who you are i.e. those who followed the parade with signs and yelled insults at them.

Now, would you mind explaining what you meant? Because apparently, I misunderstood therefore my answer.

[NeedKarma]

My reply was a "consequence". I was basically telling you that people are accepted here regardless of physical characteristics/race/etc. I think you owe me an apology.

[tsila1777]

Think as you please, I misunderstood your meaning. I do not feel I owe you an apology. Why do you think so?

[NeedKarma]

You made it appear as if my response was an example of why you keep your heritage hidden (i.e. I'm a bad guy) when it was nothing of the sort.

[Alty]

We're getting off topic, let's try to stay on track okay? Thanks. :)

[NeedKarma]

Sure, if she stops the disparaging comments. I also stick up for myself when someone attacks me.

[Alty]

It was a misunderstanding. Can't you two just shake virtual hands and move on? Let's not close down another thread because of petty fighting. Okay? Really, I'm just trying to stop this before it gets out of hand. :)

[NeedKarma]

I read her posts and she makes me cry tears of hurt and pain the way she portrays me.

[Alty]

Is it possible that you are just taking it a bit personally, even though it wasn't intended that way?

We all get upset at times when someone writes something on the board that we take personally, and we feel the need to attack that person right back, it's human nature, I know I am guilty of it too, boy am I ever. ;)

Okay, I'm done trying to end this, it's up to the two of you now.

Peace. :)

[tsila1777]

Originally Posted by NeedKarma
Actually it does not matter one iota that you are Cherokee, ... or asian, or jewish, or black, or a labourer, or a paraplegic. What consequences did you expect?

My reply was a "consequence". I was basically telling you that people are accepted here regardless of physical characteristics/race/etc. I think you owe me an apology.

Then why didn’t you say that in the first place instead of the first post? If you had make yourself clear the first time, none of this would have been necessary.

If you are so tolerate of everyone, then surely you can accept that someone who has been tormented for his or her heritage would be sensitive when someone says my heritage does not matter one iota. It does matter to me... and the question, “what consequences did you expect” came off to me as another put down; as if I should expect consequences; as if I deserved the consequences that I got. I explained that I misunderstood your post. Is that not sufficient? If you would make yourself more clear and explain what you mean, and not expect people to ‘read between the lines' then I would have responded differently or not at all.

Is this really worth debating; as it has nothing to do with the topic here? Perhaps we should start our own debate on another board. And get other opinions to the question if I owe you an apology. Or if you owe me one for saying my heritage does not matter one iota.

[NeedKarma]

Or if you owe me one for saying my heritage does not matter one iota.

It doesn't... on an anonymous internet discussion board, that's the beauty of it. The New Yorker said it best in 1993:

[tsila1777]

You made it appear as if my response was an example of why you keep your heritage hidden (i.e. I'm a bad guy) when it was nothing of the sort.

So your first post was correct, You consider me a dog because I'm Cherokee.

[ordinaryguy]

As I grew older, I proudly announced that I am Cherokee. I accepted the consequences.

This was a small part of a very long message directed to Margog, and has no importance on its own. It was to give an example that I know, at least to some degree, how it feels to be harassed by others who do not like who you are i.e. those who followed the parade with signs and yelled insults at them.

Your story was very moving, and certainly convinced me that you do understand margog's experience, probably better than I, who have never been persecuted or made to feel ashamed of who I am.

But in spite of that personal experience, you can still post a comment like this one:

However, it is my belief that gay people are demon possessed, just my opinion, based on my belief in the Holy Bible.

I notice that it isn't your Cherokee heritage that you cite as the basis of your belief that homosexuality is caused by demon possession. I hope and trust that eventually your native cultural empathy will outweigh your adopted religious antipathy.

[tsila1777]

Your story was very moving, and certainly convinced me that you do understand margog's experience, probably better than I, who have never been persecuted or made to feel ashamed of who I am.

But in spite of that personal experience, you can still post a comment like this one:I notice that it isn't your Cherokee heritage that you cite as the basis of your belief that homosexuality is caused by demon possession. I hope and trust that eventually your native cultural empathy will outweigh your adopted religious antipathy.

I agree, I did not make myself clear, but as I also explained in that same post, or one post to Margog, I was meaning the ones I saw on the news of the Atlanta parade. The only example of gay parades I have known. To me they did look and act demon possessed. And it not only some gays who can be demon possessed, but anyone who allows it. This is my belief...for your benefit, I will clearify that.

I need to take my own advice and make myself clear on here. Thanks for pointing this out. I apologize for making that general remark. I apologize to Margog and to you and anyone who was offended by this remark.

[margog85]

I am at work and do not have time for a long response.

Just wanted to say thank you for your apology- it is appreciated and accepted.

:)

[tsila1777]

You are a good person, Margog. I'm pleased to have 'met' you. I thank you for your kindness and understanding.

[margog85]

Thank you. :) It has been a pleasure discussing this with you and taking the time to 'talk' about things, and understand one another better.

I really honestly believe that if people LISTENED to one another, and explained things to each other without the typical arrogance of 'I'm right and you're wrong no matter what you say' attitude that we see so often on these boards- there would be a lot less anger in the world, and people would really be able to live together more peacefully.

Like we've said... there are a lot less differences between people than often assumed- and most people can relate to one another on some level, if they take the time to talk rather than argue. And when you have that common understanding, which is attainable if people take the time to listen to each other... it makes peaceful coexistence very simple, even when you don't agree-

Again, I'm still at work, so I can't respond as fully as I'd like. Just wanted to pop in and thank you for a much needed compliment on a very hectic and crazy day. Your post was one of the few things today that has made me smile. :)