What prompted this is the book my daughter brought home from school. It was an extremely graphic book on slavery. She's in 4th grade and in her few years this was the most violent text she's ever read. And my problem isn't the violence in it. My problem is the fact that it came now, during African Awareness Month. And here's why...I think if you're going to provide that kind of truth for one ethnic group you should provide it to ALL groups that have been in some way fucked over by the US government. I have yet to hear of Native American Awareness Month..nor has she been taught anything. Oh yeah, she's been given Thanksgiving, thanks alot. And for that day my kid gets to dress up as an "Indian" and the kids in her class re-enact that special dinner..my kids have been told that all ended happily ever after. (for the record my kids know better) For them to actually teach that as a fact to young kids is ludicrous. It's a slap in the face. Someone could say well the truth is too much for a youngster..but then why does my 10 year old have to read about slavery? If you're going to teach the truth then you better cover all of it. I realize that historians don't want to forget what was done to the Africans brought here. Well then why should we forget, bury, what was done to the true natives of this land?

(I have many many reasons to be angry. I guess it stems from background..both my parents were born in Guatemala..my mother's side is predominantly K'iche Mayan..my father's background is a blend of Chumash/K'iche-Mayan and Spanish. You could say my family has been fucked all the way around.)

So no kidding the US supports "Israel" and it's taking of Palestine. How could they not, look at how this country was founded. It was stolen, raped and renamed- United States of America. Why is that forgotten? This country has a track record of creating/supporting chaos and then labeling those that defend themselves, "terrorists." For example..the "savages" they forced into reservations..the guerrilla forces in Guatemala..and now Hezbollah. You want Hezbollah disarmed? Then disarm Israel and make them leave Palestine. How's that for a solution? Why should Palestinians bear the burden of Israel? How can you rationalize the taking of land? Germany should bear the burden of the Jews anger not Arabs.

Some history for you..during the Guatemalan 35 year war, that ended in 1996, more than 400 Mayan villages destroyed..thousands raped and killed. And the US provided support to the corrupt Guatemalan government that carried on this genocide. Amongst their many ways of killing..they used the "scorched earth" tactic..same one the US used against Northern Native Americans. The US military trained these terrorists to become efficient in killing Mayan farmers..over 200,000 became refugees. Many members of my family died..a few received political asylum in the US. Kind of ridiculous isn't it? They support genocide, then complain when immigrants seek refuge. The only apology, if you can call it that, came from Bill Clinton. He admitted the US wrongfully supported the Guatemalan military forces that butchered Mayan civilians, thanks a lot.

So here I say again..if the US is going to give the black community their recognition. Then you better sure as hell teach my kids about the horrors you brought on to my ancestors. I recently watched on tv a black individual complain about how many "latinos" have come to live in their neighborhoods..like Watts. You see on tv whites complain about illegal immigrants. That fucking pisses me off. As I see it..a lot of these "latinos" are central native americans. A lot pushed to come here from Guatemala and El Salvador. You know who you can thank? The US government.

I belong to this land any way you look at it. As do my children. Through our veins runs the blood of the true inhabitants. Inhabitants that used to live here in harmony. I come from a people who didn't have the crimes and illnesses that europeans brought. I laugh when I hear whites tell a "latino".."go back to your country." Please.. So while I cannot change the curriculum in the elementary school my kids are in, I can sure as hell teach them the truth at home. And trust me when I say I have already started doing this.

~Native Pride~