Wonderful words, Alisa. Thank you for this long -view reminder.
Folk singer Pete Seeger tells a story in one of his live performances about a group of rabbits whom, when faced with a predator, find a warren to hide in. Fearful but determined to survive, the rabbits decide to shelter in place “until we outnumber them.” Perseverance and cooperation. Our native ancestors knew that lesson all too well.
Pueblo, eh? My stepkids are part Pueblo. Much to their surprise, DNA tests show they're at about 10%. I even posted a video on the Pueblo Revolt you might be interested in:
I did ancestry and I’m Indigenous America’s 46% Spain 25%
Portugal 11%
Basque 8%
I tell myself that I feel the inner fight between fighting for the land of my forefathers and Spanish that invaded us. My Mom was mostly Indigenous Americans my Dad was mostly Spanish. He died at 42. Mom died at 94 (24 days shy of her 25th birthday)
I can kind of relate to your story; however, my dad would tell me you are caucasian and don’t ever forget. I was 8 when he died. So my life is complicated. So I say, I am American and have been here before the pilgrims. ☺️
The euro-american populace that voted for Trump and the euro-american Liberals who oppose him have more in common than they like to acknowledge. They are both the folks who historically carried out the "legal" genocides and colonizations and historically upheld those rules of law--which are called "Democracy" and they are the folks who now still benefit from the actions.
Euro-american folks are freaking out because THEY are now being colonized by their own kind-and now its being called fascism.
You talk about what we (NA's) did to survive, and we are still surviving.
I don't think the recipe is applicable to the so-called dominant euro-american populace.
The reason is that they have been living the benefits of colonialism for centuries and mostly don't know or care about the Indigenous history of this place, and definitely don't care about whose neck they are and have been stepping on to have what they have in this "Democracy."
There is no actual "human" allegiance among these people, they are fractured and hating each other and its still all about them individually having their piece of the stolen pie.
The recipe works for us because we are not basing our survival on the oppression of "the other" and we are still communities and a larger community of sorts, even after all that has happened.
The White scholars and other anglos leaving are leaving because they have NO allegiance to this land and they have opportunity elsewhere. I think anyone who wants to leave should go-post-haste!
Yes, we will still be here when this iteration of democracy is over. We are still here now. We stayed because this is our HOMELAND and where would we go anyway? We know where we belong.
The anglo's in this country will survive-like rabbits- but so will their bigotry and eurocentric understanding of the world and their fierce upholding of oppression upon us minoritized folks which is how they get to take all the resources. That is what democracy USA style has always been about.
Of course there are individual exceptions to not completely generalize, but...
I think that what you say is true, and is part of the reason that certain politicians (let the reader understand!) are trying to 86 any part of American history that isn’t triumphalist, or white. I just want to say—and I know this probably doesn’t need to be said, but nevertheless….some of us white people are sorry for all the evil that was done in our name, who want to do what we can to make it better, and sometimes wish the Europeans and Indigenous Americans could have built something together that would be better than this wretched mess we have now.
That is one hell of a history telling. History that almost none of us have heard of, let alone studied or learned. I have not been proud of my country for a long time, and I am less so by the day. As a California native, much of the time I feel more connected to Mexicans who were here long before me. I feel they belong here AT LEAST as much as I do. Please keep telling us your stories!
100%! The map of Old Mexico should be a startng point in any discussion on the topic!! Same could be said about a map of the original Native American nations.
Thank you for the inspirational article...I really liked your description of survival and withstanding...WITH each other we will STAND! So many of us privileged white American folk are suddenly afraid. Yet, we,too, likely had ancestors who had to be tough in the face of injustice, horror, and deprivation. We all need to call on the strength of our ancestors, while living in gratitude for the ease and blessings we might have had so far in our lives, and might continue to have.
Do you really do psychic readings? So do I. I work for an online chat line seriously. I am a retired 3rd grade teacher. Let me know if you need a lead. Lisa
Wonderful writing! I'm Scottish and it's recently been discovered from DNA analysis that the Celts — Britain's indigenous population — have an almost identical genetic "fingerprint" to a tribe of Iberians from the coastal regions of Spain who crossed the Bay of Biscay almost 6,000 years ago. It's fascinating stuff. I'd like to check my genetic make-up, but given the tech world's propensity for weaponising such things, I'm loathe to give any company a sample of my DNA!
Anyhoo, loved your writing and just ordered your book.
Thank you for your article. I have lived in NM close to Isleta Pueblo for 25 years. I was born in Mexico City and raised in Costa Rica, so I identify as Latina not Hispanic. It is in these lands that I became aware of how the Spanish and later the Anglo colonizations and its oppression have impacted the culture and identity of Anglos, Natives and Mestizos. I taught High School for 20 years and experienced this post-colonial oppression daily in the classroom.
Taught concepts of the Borderlands and its borderland consciousness (using Anzaldua”d concepts), as a way to survive and maintain culture , language and identity.
Wonderful words, Alisa. Thank you for this long -view reminder.
Folk singer Pete Seeger tells a story in one of his live performances about a group of rabbits whom, when faced with a predator, find a warren to hide in. Fearful but determined to survive, the rabbits decide to shelter in place “until we outnumber them.” Perseverance and cooperation. Our native ancestors knew that lesson all too well.
Pueblo, eh? My stepkids are part Pueblo. Much to their surprise, DNA tests show they're at about 10%. I even posted a video on the Pueblo Revolt you might be interested in:
https://ohiobarbarian.substack.com/p/the-first-american-revolution-the
I did ancestry and I’m Indigenous America’s 46% Spain 25%
Portugal 11%
Basque 8%
I tell myself that I feel the inner fight between fighting for the land of my forefathers and Spanish that invaded us. My Mom was mostly Indigenous Americans my Dad was mostly Spanish. He died at 42. Mom died at 94 (24 days shy of her 25th birthday)
I can kind of relate to your story; however, my dad would tell me you are caucasian and don’t ever forget. I was 8 when he died. So my life is complicated. So I say, I am American and have been here before the pilgrims. ☺️
Thank you for sharing this essay.
The euro-american populace that voted for Trump and the euro-american Liberals who oppose him have more in common than they like to acknowledge. They are both the folks who historically carried out the "legal" genocides and colonizations and historically upheld those rules of law--which are called "Democracy" and they are the folks who now still benefit from the actions.
Euro-american folks are freaking out because THEY are now being colonized by their own kind-and now its being called fascism.
You talk about what we (NA's) did to survive, and we are still surviving.
I don't think the recipe is applicable to the so-called dominant euro-american populace.
The reason is that they have been living the benefits of colonialism for centuries and mostly don't know or care about the Indigenous history of this place, and definitely don't care about whose neck they are and have been stepping on to have what they have in this "Democracy."
There is no actual "human" allegiance among these people, they are fractured and hating each other and its still all about them individually having their piece of the stolen pie.
The recipe works for us because we are not basing our survival on the oppression of "the other" and we are still communities and a larger community of sorts, even after all that has happened.
The White scholars and other anglos leaving are leaving because they have NO allegiance to this land and they have opportunity elsewhere. I think anyone who wants to leave should go-post-haste!
Yes, we will still be here when this iteration of democracy is over. We are still here now. We stayed because this is our HOMELAND and where would we go anyway? We know where we belong.
The anglo's in this country will survive-like rabbits- but so will their bigotry and eurocentric understanding of the world and their fierce upholding of oppression upon us minoritized folks which is how they get to take all the resources. That is what democracy USA style has always been about.
Of course there are individual exceptions to not completely generalize, but...
I think that what you say is true, and is part of the reason that certain politicians (let the reader understand!) are trying to 86 any part of American history that isn’t triumphalist, or white. I just want to say—and I know this probably doesn’t need to be said, but nevertheless….some of us white people are sorry for all the evil that was done in our name, who want to do what we can to make it better, and sometimes wish the Europeans and Indigenous Americans could have built something together that would be better than this wretched mess we have now.
What a beautiful thought of collaboration. Folks who are willing to know the truth are Allies, and allies are very important.
Your article is truly humbling -it brought tears to my eyes. My heart hurts, but I have no words. Thank you for sharing🙏
That is one hell of a history telling. History that almost none of us have heard of, let alone studied or learned. I have not been proud of my country for a long time, and I am less so by the day. As a California native, much of the time I feel more connected to Mexicans who were here long before me. I feel they belong here AT LEAST as much as I do. Please keep telling us your stories!
Me, too, Rich, on both counts. It doesn’t seem odd to me that California was Mexico (after Spain) until 1848. Honestly, I kinda wish we could go back!
For warmth, joy, kindness and initiative, I look for our Mexican brethren. I’m so very grateful for them.
In many instances, the Mexicans didn't cross the border, the border crossed them.
100%! The map of Old Mexico should be a startng point in any discussion on the topic!! Same could be said about a map of the original Native American nations.
I didn't realize your book was ready to read! You mentioned it last year some time. Mazel Tov! I just bought it!
Thank you for parsing the word Hispanic. I have been guilty of using it. And thank you for the histories of resistance and of abiding.
“like rabbits in the dusk,” yes.
Reminder: the most successful native revolt in world history was in (now) New Mexico. It can be done.
Thank you for the inspirational article...I really liked your description of survival and withstanding...WITH each other we will STAND! So many of us privileged white American folk are suddenly afraid. Yet, we,too, likely had ancestors who had to be tough in the face of injustice, horror, and deprivation. We all need to call on the strength of our ancestors, while living in gratitude for the ease and blessings we might have had so far in our lives, and might continue to have.
I just ordered your book.
Do you really do psychic readings? So do I. I work for an online chat line seriously. I am a retired 3rd grade teacher. Let me know if you need a lead. Lisa
Wonderful writing! I'm Scottish and it's recently been discovered from DNA analysis that the Celts — Britain's indigenous population — have an almost identical genetic "fingerprint" to a tribe of Iberians from the coastal regions of Spain who crossed the Bay of Biscay almost 6,000 years ago. It's fascinating stuff. I'd like to check my genetic make-up, but given the tech world's propensity for weaponising such things, I'm loathe to give any company a sample of my DNA!
Anyhoo, loved your writing and just ordered your book.
I’m here. i’m listening. i’m taking what you say in. Thank you
as a German with a degree in social studies and history I have to say it's more like Germany 1934 or 1935
The long view was a lesson from the Vietnam War:
During the Vietnam War, the The The The Vietcong’s goal was “for their grandchildren to kill our grandchildren” .
When negotiations in Paris began, we rented an apartment, the Vietcong bought a house.
They won.
What it may take…
Thank you for your article. I have lived in NM close to Isleta Pueblo for 25 years. I was born in Mexico City and raised in Costa Rica, so I identify as Latina not Hispanic. It is in these lands that I became aware of how the Spanish and later the Anglo colonizations and its oppression have impacted the culture and identity of Anglos, Natives and Mestizos. I taught High School for 20 years and experienced this post-colonial oppression daily in the classroom.
Taught concepts of the Borderlands and its borderland consciousness (using Anzaldua”d concepts), as a way to survive and maintain culture , language and identity.