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In reply to the discussion: Native Americans Say "Occupy" Terminology Is Offensive [View all]think
(11,641 posts)69. I guess nothing unless it's considered in the larger context that
The treaty is still in dispute by the Sioux nation and the land is not theirs currently:
Conflicts between the Sioux Nation and the United States Government
Today, the Black Hills land claim case is still an ongoing issue. Native American lawyer Wanda L. Howey-Fox statements in April 2009 explain the modern issues regarding the Black Hills. She states, There is no selling to be done because the court determined it was an improper taking and all the court can give as far as remedy is money. In the present day, the government has recognized that the seizure of land in 1877 was illegal but is still unwilling to return the Black Hills.[48]
Additionally, Lawyer Howey-Fox has currently brought a lawsuit demanding the release of $900 million in Sioux trust funds. As of now, the case is still pending.[48]
source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Hills_Land_Claim
To be clear I'm showing reasons as to why we should be respectful in response to the "Occupy" flare up and not as a pretext to get OWS to change it's name. I don't think they should be forced to change the name as it would be difficult to do but I do feel any response should be reflective and respectful of others opinions when possible.
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yeah- they must have picked it up from the Puritans wilst being slaughtered.
stlsaxman
Dec 2011
#161
Excuse me but....Didn't Native Americans "Occupy" this country before white man ever did?
W T F
Dec 2011
#12
I'm pretty sure some of those ancient tribes have no living descendents, and not as a fault...
slackmaster
Dec 2011
#138
So, taking over peoples' land is a shitty thing to do, but a lot of peoples have done it...
slackmaster
Dec 2011
#144
Apparently Gali does not know about the occupations of Alcatraz & Wounded Knee
Luminous Animal
Dec 2011
#44
"Occupation" was also used for the protests at Mt Rushmore and the BIA headquarters in 1971
riderinthestorm
Dec 2011
#56
AIM understands the power of re-occupying. Gali should revisit her history
Luminous Animal
Dec 2011
#149
yes the term is weighted by history. maybe one reason the originators of OWS chose it.
getdown
Dec 2011
#32
Well, if someone is offended by something we have to change the words (nt)
The Straight Story
Dec 2011
#35
It's not that one has to change the words as much as how one responds to such a request
think
Dec 2011
#47
I get offended when people want to change merry christmas to happy holidays
The Straight Story
Dec 2011
#60
What about the occupations of Alactraz & Wounded Knee? Occupation was the word used
Luminous Animal
Dec 2011
#37
Example of proper usage: "The Indian movement activists occupied Alcatraz."
JackRiddler
Dec 2011
#48
The word "occupy" does not have one simple definition. Noun, verb and adjective.
Glassunion
Dec 2011
#57
Mic check! Here in Arizona, Native Elders indigenous to this land sometimes speak/pray at Occupy
Zorra
Dec 2011
#61
Indigenous Elders & Supporters Occupy ALEC Member Salt River Project Headquarters
Zorra
Dec 2011
#81
Huh, here's a link to a Native American Occupy Protest at the United Nations. Yes, a NA OCCUPY event
riderinthestorm
Dec 2011
#99
And this is why nothing ever changes with left activism. There's never a united front presented. n/
TransitJohn
Dec 2011
#101
It looks like the OWS movement's use of the term is understood by more Native Americans than not.
MADem
Dec 2011
#124
Yes, it seems the position taken in the article may well be a minority position...
Spazito
Dec 2011
#127
Funny, I encountered some guys in Arizona who say the term "Native American" is offensive
Sen. Walter Sobchak
Dec 2011
#150
The chosen language of such a large and important movement as Occupy...
Mr_Jefferson_24
Jan 2012
#166