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News :: Civil & Human Rights |
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Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
Current rating: 26 |
by Lauren M. Anzaldo
Email: compassiontothecore (nospam) hotmail.com |
11 Jun 2004
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It's bad enough that they descend on the Pensacola area during the Fiesta of Five Flags (i.e. Celebration of the Colonization of the Americas and Massacre of Indigenous Peoples), but on Wednesday, June 9, the Mayoki "Indians" krewe also brought their offensive program to a group of 33 young children at a local daycare center. |
Click on image for a larger version  |
From the moment I came into work, I heard the buzz about the Mayoki Indians (www.mayoki.com) who would visit the daycare center later that day. The school-age children in the summer daycamp group I teach were excited, and my co-workers were preparing for the visit by waking up their younger students early from their naps.
I had never heard of the Mayoki Indians, but I was interested to see their presentation. I was in for quite a shock.
Two tour buses with police escorts pulled up in front of Chase Street Child Care Center. Within a few minutes, the hallway of the center was full of dozens of white men and women dressed in shiny, rainbow-colored costumes and decorated running shoes. Barechested men wore vests trimmed with sequins and short shorts, and women wore halter tops and mini skirts. Most of them displayed bejeweled pins bearing such slogans as "Bad Indian" or the logo of the Escambia County Sheriffs Office. Some were bedecked in feather headdresses, and many had beads and bells dangling from their arms and legs. In short, they looked like they were dressed for a themed roller derby or an episode of "American Gladiators."
The krewe booty-danced to hip-hop music as they passed out mardi gras beads, flowers and feathers. Many of the children, as young as one year, looked mortified by the whole experience. Some of the kids danced with the krewe members, and my co-workers danced as well, but I was too surprised to move.
After the Mayoki krewe left, I talked to my class about the visitors. They were full of chatter about the "Indians" they had just met, so I explained to them that these were not actual Indians but people dressing in silly clothes and pretending to be Indians. I then read them two authentic Native American stories that we had in our class library. At least one of the five children seemed to catch on, but another student told me she was upset with me for trying to ruin her fun, and one continued to insist that the Mayoki were real Indians. Of course, when adults come claiming to be Indians and another adults claims that they aren't Indians, it is no wonder that children get confused.
Needing to respond to the Mayoki krewe's visit, I wrote a following letter that I shared with my supervisor, Terry Quimby, director of Chase Street Child Care Center. She was somewhat sympathetic and encouraged me to invite Native people for a presentation on authentic Native culture and beliefs. I had also wanted to distribute the same letter to all of my co-workers, but Quimby told me that, according to the policies of United Cerebral Palsy, which owns the daycare center, I cannot promote my personal opinion on company time. She said I am welcome to hand out copies of my letter to co-workers while I'm not on the clock. I'm sure the fact that one of UCP's board members is involved with the Mayoki krewe plays at least a small part in the decision to control my expression of my opinion.
Incidentally, the Mayoki Indian krewe is
part of the Fiesta of Five Flags, a weeklong celebration of the colonization of this region. At one point in the celebration -- which includes parades, parties and ceremonies -- the Mayoki Queen (i.e., some upper-crust white lady) greets a boat bearing that year's appointed Don Tristan DeLuna, Spanish Conquistador (i.e. some upper-crust white dude). The offensive, racist nature of this entire celebration should be obvious, yet it is passed off by those who participate as "all in the name of fun." Spokane artist, activist, teacher and writer Charlene Teters explains this phenomenon better than I can in the article linked to below.
Also below is the letter I wrote to my co-workers regarding the visit by the Mayoki "Indians."
Ladies:
I am writing this because I was very disturbed by the visit the group calling themselves the Mayoki Indians made to Chase Street Child Care Center on Wednesday, June 9, and I need to share my feelings with you.
When I first heard about the event, I assumed that members of an actual Indian tribe or organization would be coming to the center to speak about their culture and do some sort of performance. I was not familiar with the Mayoki Indians, so I had no idea what to expect. I must say I was shocked at what I saw. The people who visited the center to distribute beads, feathers and flowers and dance to hip-hop music are not Native Americans at all. They are white members of a social club that -- maliciously or not -- mocks the traditions of actual Native Americans.
I know that we all care about the children in our care and that we want them to have fun and to learn from their experiences so they can grow into the best people possible. While I admit that many of them seemed to have fun when the Mayoki visited, I think the event was in total opposition to our standards of non-biased curriculum and inclusion. I have spoken with a Creek Indian friend of mine who expressed his disgust at the ill-informed, ignorant program the Mayoki people promote, and I can only imagine how offended a Native person would have felt if she were present for the Mayoki visit to our center.
We know that our students absorb a great deal from us and the environment around them and that these experiences shape them. For that reason, we should not allow a group of white people dressed in gaudy attire to pass themselves off as a tribe of Indians who give away feathers and flowers. Sadly, that inaccurate portrayal will probably be the first (and for some, the only) exposure the children will have to "Indians." If the Mayoki group wants to continue to entertain people, they should drop the title "Indians" and the mock-Indian costumes from their routine and just dance and have fun, which they seem to be good at.
Indians, or Native Americans, are real people who still exist (though as a small percentage of the population) and possess rich cultures, speak many languages and have ancient, earth-centered traditions. Our children could learn a great deal from them through authentic Native American presentations that do not belittle or insult these people -- or any other group of people.
My Creek friend would like to vsit my class for a talk and musical performance. I would love for all of you to participate. I am working on the details, so please let me know if you are interested. I look forward to talking with you about this issue.
Sincerely,
Lauren Anzaldo |
See also:
http://www.rhythmsoftheglobe.com/mind/discourses_charlene.htm
http://www.aimovement.org/
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This work is in the public domain. |
Comments
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Michelle
natachaz1 (nospam) yahoo.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 15
16 Jun 2004
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Excellent Lauren! Your article brought to light an issue that had not crossed my mind. I'm so grateful that you wrote this excellent article and spoke out about the continued stereotypes of Native Americans.
I hope that you can bring your Creek Indian friend to the class to share his or her knowledge with your class, inshAllah. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by David Reems
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 12
17 Jun 2004
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I think this article is amazing. It's a really brave thing to stand up against racism. I'm sure that the people doing this are doing it out of ignorance more than anything malicious, but they should know that a lot of people are hurt by these depictions of Native Americans. The Natives of this country have gone through enough. I'm glad people are finally waking up to this. I'm glad someone wrote about it. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by KK Richardson
kkandpaul (nospam) hotmail.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 5
18 Jun 2004
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I think it is so sad that someone as biased as this would write an article speaking of racism and lack of respect for something that is totally intended for entertainment for the children and the elderly that the Mayoki's visit. Children young enough to be in a day care center vs. school certainly will not remember this for the rest of their lives and will not be scarred from the shock and horror of make believe indians, however; what they will remember is the attention this fun group showed them and the gifts they shared with them, and how their day was brightened with happiness, as most of their days are not based on the fact they are in this type of center to start with. I think this very limited mind needs to look past her own ignorance and truly think of the children and not the heritage. Fun and cheer are certainly better than some of the things I have read about the indian culture. Good Day! |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Mikey
mikeyjohnson2k4 (nospam) yahoo.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 15
18 Jun 2004
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"Fun and cheer are better than some of the things I have read about Indian culture"
How could you be so insensitive?
Pretend this group was in Blackface. Then would it be the same?
Good Day! |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by mikey
mikeyjohnson2k4 (nospam) yahoo.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 17
18 Jun 2004
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And who are you to say that just because these children are in a day care center that their days are filled with misery that only some good natured fun people dressed up as a different race than themselves could somehow bring light into their lives.
I cannot believe that this is the defense given for such blatent and obviously racist attititudes. Did you even read the links given that explain this type of racism more clearly from a Native American perspective? Would these people feel comfortable going to an Indian reservation and doing this same song and dance? |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Unknown
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 1
18 Jun 2004
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I understand that Mrs. Anzaldo may have certain feelings that she needs to express and she has every right to do so but to use the word racist to describe a group of people she has never met and knows nothing about is down right ignorant. Racist is a very harsh word in this time and day and I hope she has her tracks covered. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by anonymous
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 20
18 Jun 2004
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I did not see where she called anyone in this group racist, only the "tribe" itself. I don't see how someone could not see that this is OBVIOUSLY racist in nature. It probably isn't out of any maliciousness, but out of ignorance. Willful ignorance. Like a person a few comments back said, if this were in blackface, there would be no question about whether it is racist. What is the difference between this "indianface" and someone doing this in blackface? How could someone defend this? |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Jim Notham
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: -1
19 Jun 2004
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I do believe a lawsuit is forthcomming this Lauren Anzaldo, She should be fired, I wouldn't want her teaching hate to my childeren. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Dan Bovine
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 1
19 Jun 2004
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She is a hater! Get a life lady, do somthing other than try to find fault in others good deeds. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Janice
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 3
19 Jun 2004
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She must not be a very good teacher if she can't teach a group of children the difference between a "dance troupe" and the real thing. |
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Lauren Anzaldo seems to be the Racist! |
by Trevor
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: -1
19 Jun 2004
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Does She volunteer at the center or does she get paid to do a job there? If she gets paid, the center needs to stop her checks. I wonder if the people who donate money to the center would want to keep giving money to the center that keeps a clear activist and a racist on staff? My opinion. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Fogg
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 17
19 Jun 2004
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This is your defense of the Mayokis and their conduct? Pitiful diatribes telling her to get a life? You speak volumes when your response is so juvenile. No one has once said how this "tribe" is not racist. Not once. Only pitiful comments excusing racist actions. You should be ashamed. |
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These are some other responses |
by scott
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 26
19 Jun 2004
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These are some responses collected from another web site concerning this article:
"The whole thing is really insulting to someone like me who has grown up on Native America Culture. My Grandfather was born on a creek reservation somewhere close to tallahassee. I can't get a scholorship or anything because hes REAL Native American and does'nt have a birth certificate or anything. He chose, in irony, Thanksgiving as his brithday. But you know what? I bet a Mayoki "Indian" child would probibly get loads of college scholorship money. But that's just part of it, the whole thing is ignorant and rascist. That would be like if a bunch of white guys were to dress up as slaves, flagellate themselves, and say they were an "african american" tribe."
"It really pisses me off. Im 25% cherokee. I Have just a touch of native american blood but it pisses me off more than any thing has EVER."
"I hate these guys."
"this town needs an enema...starting with the dumb people who put on all these stupid festivals.... if this type of thing happened in new york city or something, it would be a catastrophic national event, a new low point for america as a nation... of course here in p-town, its just another festival. yay."
"I doubt you'd catch any of these white folks dressing up like "Negroes" and singing Mammy on a float in Seville Square...Or if they dressed up like "Jews" and all wore fake big noses? Or like "Muslims" and all wore fake big noses and turbans?"
"The whole thing is so crazy. It's really amazing that in this day and age people would be so over the top racist and consider this a "fiesta" of any sorts."
"It would be different if they immulated the culture and traditions of Indiginous people...I work with Native Americans from several different tribes and they think it is racist not as much as they think it it down right stupid! These people look like they were cut from the Villiage People try outs!!! Next thing they can have a Yoruba tribe and everyone can go in black face!!!!"
"It's about respect. Whites have done enough to oppress Native Americans over the past 500 years. My great great grandmother Mariah was full blood Cherokee from Sumter County South Carolina, and you know what the whites did to her? They made her ASHAMED to be Cherokee so she never passed on her heritage to her children. She never talked about being Cherokee because it was BAD to be Indian back then. She spent her whole life ashamed of her skin. So yes, if you think that I'm offended "easily" well now you might see why." |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Eric Smith
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 8
19 Jun 2004
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What would you call this behavior if not racist? If you think it is respectful then why are those that dress in costume associated with our current head of state seen as 'activist' and are only permitted to stand in 'free speech zones'? If you want to show 'respect' dress up in your fancy dance troupe costumes as george washington or alexander hamilton. I don't think anyone would appreciate the first impression that you give this children about their culture nor do I think that this 'dance troupe' would be choosen as representative for their culture. Perhaps they should try American Idol instead. Good Day! |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Daniel
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 11
19 Jun 2004
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I don't understand how some of you Mayoki "supporters" can get off calling this women 'racist.' If you object to something that is, obviously, racist, that makes you a racist? Children begin learning at an early age, and their first encounter with Native Americans should be a genuine one. Not some rich, upper-class white group dancing around wearing village-people costumes. I can't drive this point home enough, as has been mentioned above if these people dressed as African Americans/Muslims/Jews/any other minority, and claimed to be them and mocked their culture, the media would be all over this. People are so low. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Michelle
natachaz1 (nospam) yahoo.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 18
19 Jun 2004
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Well how typical of the upper crust here in town to threaten a lawsuit because someone accused the Mayoki troop of being racist, which they clearly are. We know that Mr. Brett Vigodsky is a lawyer and is also one of these racist Mayoki fools who think it's ok to mock Native American culture.
Perhaps our friends over at the ACLU should have a look at this. |
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Let's start our own krewe, then! |
by Bob Mason
masonr (nospam) cox.net (unverified) |
Current rating: 21
19 Jun 2004
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Okay Mayokis. Have it your way. Next year, we will all be there dressed like Whitey, doing the electric slide and the achey-breaky in our colorful Park Avenue knockoffs, cowboy hats and/or surf wear.
We'll put a boot in your proverbial ass, cuz that's the American way.
You have been warned, racists. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by sm
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 18
20 Jun 2004
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from http://wayaka.altervista.org/outkast.html
What symbols were offensive?
Feathers: Native Americans consider these sacred symbols; they are only worn in religious or ceremonial settings. Eagle feathers in particular represent the sun-- the life giving force-- in many First American tribes. They are not worn to be mocked, or as "entertainment."
Feather headdresses: These are only worn by venerated people who have earned the honor. Exploiting others is not a way to earn this honor. Headdresses in many cultures represent something spiritual, religious, or ceremonial.
War paint: Paint is another sacred symbol for Native Americans. People traveled many miles to special mines and quarries to obtain minerals for the paint. It was only worn in extreme situations, and only after much fasting and prayer. A person was "dressed" in paint prior to burial or cremation as just one example of the importance of body paint to many tribes.
War "whoop": this yell was used as a racial epithet against many Native American elders when they attended public schools in the 1950s and 60s. It is still used today in offensive sports situations. It represents a "savage" or "primitive" or "uncivilized" view of First Americans that is repugnant and false.
Leather fringe: used by Outkast for hot pants and bras for dancers who are bumping and grinding; this is an offensive way to 'honor' First Americans. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Bob Mason
masonr (nospam) cox.net (unverified) |
Current rating: 15
21 Jun 2004
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Two things about it are offensive:
1) The arrogance of idiotic rich white people exploiting the culture of people they wouldn't even live next door to.
2) The ignorance they display in not even caring enough to exploit the right First Nations culture. War bonnets and clothing styles of the type they wear come from the Plains tribes, not those of the Southeast. So, they don't even have enough respect to "honor" the right Indian culture.
All they've done is perpetuate a racist stereotype. I wonder, would they be proud to parade around in blackface and handing out fried chicken.
Morons. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Brent
brent(at)gaypanhandle.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 7
21 Jun 2004
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I'm stunned by this racist tradition being perpetuated in Pensacola. Does anyone know why they're wearing Escambia County Sheriff's Office emblems? |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Brent
brent(at)gaypanhandle.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 5
21 Jun 2004
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And this is a great article, Lauren. I admire you standing up to this racism. It's so disgusting. Thank you for exposing this. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Queen White Dove 2003
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 19
23 Jun 2004
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Dear Ms. Anzaldo:
I am responding to your recent article in the Northwest Florida Independent Media Center, entitled “Racist Mock-Indian Tribe Visits Daycare Center.” This is not a negative letter, nor are there any derogatory comments about your opinions.
I am a quarter Cherokee Indian. My great grandmother was full-blooded Cherokee. I am also the Mayoki Indian whose photo is featured in your article. I understand your passion, and I respect your right to your opinion. I believe it is the right of every person in this wonderful and free country to express their views and to pursue righteousness for the good of mankind and worthy causes.
I know, from reading you article, that my way of celebrating my heritage does not meet with your approval. Because you seem to be a passionate person, I wish to share with you another side of the Mayoki Indians. In our active and retired group we have hundreds of members who reflect all economic levels. We have hairdressers, store clerks, and stock boys; we have nurses, teachers, and police sergeants, we have bankers, lawyers, and doctors. We have people whose job it is to work in United Ministries on E. Lee St., full time, feeding and providing shelter for the poor; we have missionaries who travel to Ecuador and Peru to provide help for the Indians migrating from the mountains; these South American Indians are living in crude shelters carved out of the mountainside, without any running water, clothing, or shelter. The missionaries have recently built a school for the children of the Peruvian Indians. Current philanthropic efforts of the Mayokis in Pensacola cover every area of need, from Clean and Green to Cancer Research.
Indian history in Pensacola is an enriching and engaging study. The Mayokis have researched the names of the tribes, and have family trees, each bearing the name of one of the tribes. We have researched the Indian tradition of ceremony and, before every season of celebration, we travel to the beach at sunrise and perform the authentic ceremony that has been performed my Indian cousins for centuries. In years past we have invited the Black Foot tribe to participate in the Fiesta of Five Flags landing ceremony. They have performed their dances with their live snakes in their tribal clothing.
Our teachers, like you, have taken the opportunity to enrich their students’ lives by teaching units on the North American Indian Tribes. After our Mayoki Fiesta celebration, these teachers launch into a month long study of Indian history which culminates in the building of Indian villages, which are as rich and varied as the geographic areas in which they originated.
Now that I’ve told you something about the Mayokis, I would like to share my philosophy of giving. I believe that people show their passions in many different ways. We are all different, and that difference reflects our beauty. Some choose one side of the road’s fork, some choose the other. No matter which we choose it is our heart that proves our goodness, demonstrates our integrity, and infects those around us with joy and happiness.
I have to admit, these past weeks, seeing the word “racist” in a byline above my photo, having my husband’s employee come to him with a copy of the article from his son, having some of my Mayoki friends call in anger, have been some of the most heart wrenching weeks in my life. I cannot understand how I can work so hard to do such good, and be so slandered. But I know that is naïve of me to think this way. We cannot do good works for reward. We cannot expect others to think like we do, or to view the world from our own perspective. It is my belief that I cannot dwell upon hurt, but must continue to strive every day despite animosity, misunderstanding, and hate.
One of my favorite quotes is from Martin Luther. He said:
“Even if I knew that the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant my apple tree today.”
May you live a long life and plant many apple trees. May your passion include a great measure of compassion, where you open your heart to understand the rich tapestry of viewpoints in this world. May you quietly turn bad to good, sad to happy, ill to well. May you have the courage to grow and understand that joy, kindness, and truth are as different and varied as are the people who employ them, and that sometimes the ugly duckling you think you see, becomes a swan before your eyes, for you have opened them.
May goodness follow you in all that you do.
Sincerely,
Queen White Dove 2003 |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Michelle Ilizaliturri Feshari
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 17
24 Jun 2004
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Toe hee jeu, Queen White Dove:
Your letter was very polite and patient and that is appreciated.
I was not personally aware that the "Mayokis" did anything other than what is promoted on their website. But I was curious to know if it is the case that you and the "Mayokis" involve yourselves in charitable activities, why aren't the charitable gestures detailed on your website?
As we go to the Mayoki website, we are treated to a variety of people dressed in strange costumes that are not even like the ones the Native Americans wore in this area. Also, we see pictures of people partying and kissing the camera, and police officers. To us, this does not show any form of positive expression of Native American culture, but instead shows an entirely negative side that seems to almost ridicule Native American culture. It bothers me to see these kinds of people trying to represent any Native American.
Since you are 1/4th Cherokee (actually the word Cherokee is a Creek word meaning "people with another language"), why would you bother to dress in those silly costumes? Wouldn't it be better to teach Tsalagi language that the Great Sequoyah created, and teach Tsalagi folklore and culture to us instead of dressing up like the Yoneg and parading around in tour buses? I just think this Mayoki private social organisation is doing a disservice to our fine and respected Native American community.
Please, let us know of what the Mayokis really do on your website in detail, instead of just showing pictures of people dressed up in costumes and partying. It would help show a more positive view, perhaps, of what you all represent.
Thank you for your response and may God bless you in all things. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by not a coke head unlike all the mayoki indians i know
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 5
24 Jun 2004
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Cool, I'm glad y'all are keeping up the missionary tradition in south america. Assimilateing 1st nation people in the service of the corpse machine. What a good deed. Man, where would pensacola (and the rest of the world as well) be without charity from the ruling class. Good Job Miss 2003 |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by why
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 14
24 Jun 2004
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why don't you say any of that anywhere else, then? it's funny how little a part of the celebrating that is, as opposed to the drinking and partying that is normally associated with it. your letter was polite, though. it's good see someone reigned in the dogs. i still cannot see how you would not think this was racist. even if it is not malicious. and how many other's are a quarter native? and did you see how many people who are also part native who were offended by the mayoki representation? this is a disservice to native people. end. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Billy Bob
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 8
26 Jun 2004
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I don't think the Mayoki are bad folks. They're just out for a good time, and don't intend to ridicule Native Americans. That they are mostly white business-class people should really be beside the point.
But Lauren is right: they should give some thought to the stereotypes they're perpetuating. Perhaps the Mayoki could sponsor *real* Native Americans to do presentations in schools, rather then rolling in on a public drunk like some karaoke tribute to the Village People.
You really wanna be offended? Go check out the Andrew Jackson homage at Springtime Tallahassee. A multi-day celebration of authentic genocide. Irredeemable. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Billy Bob
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 12
26 Jun 2004
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By the way, someone got permission to use the picture off the Mayoki site, right? If my picture appeared next to the word "racist," I'd invoke a devil's circle of lawyers. Somebody owns the rights to that picture, and I bet it ain't IMC. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Lauren
compassiontothecore (nospam) hotmail.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 16
27 Jun 2004
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the following is an excerpt from a letter i received after i contacted the perdido bay tribe of muscogee creek peoples to find out how they feel about the mayoki krewe:
"grettings... I am chief bobby johns bearheart with the perdido bay tribe and appreciate your concerns. We have no relationship with this group. We are dedicated to the preservation of the history and culture of the southeastern native peoples. It is good that some want to honor our people, but if they are sincere, there are good ways of doing that. We are in process of building
a Native American Museum and Resource center and could use the funds they spend on "costumes." They mean well, I'm sure, but it is disturbing that a
mythical reprsentation is used to identify the first people that lived and died protecting their home and families, only to be forgotten. These were people that made great contributions to all humanity: medicine, agriculture and enviromental concerns, to name a few. I would be honored if these community leaders would take off their costumes and present themselves as friends of
the decendants of the most recent muscogee creek people." |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by anonymous
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 3
01 Jul 2004
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Quick reminder...this is a Mardi Gras/ Fiesta krewe, not representatives of National Geographic. Most of the costumes worn by all the "krewes" are over the top and exaggerated(sp?), just like the floats and beads, none of which are historically accurate. We can and should focus on the negative of our history, but there are times when people just want to have fun and act silly and these are 2 times of the year when (all) people do just that. Also, there are confederates, french , spanish conquistadores and many others represented in these parades, so I expect equal zeal projected at those groups. At least the Mayokis seem to make the effort to visit children and the elderly...how dare they make people smile. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Brent
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 8
02 Jul 2004
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"..but there are times when people just want to have fun and act silly". Which misses the point that this group is having fun at the expense of an entire race of people, a race which this kind of behavior objectifies and degrades by perpetuating a belittling stereotype of native americans. It's the equivalent of dressing up in black face, shuffling around saying "Yessuh, nossuh," while whites laugh. It's fun for the actors in power, but not for the object of ridicule. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Brent
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 9
02 Jul 2004
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In doing a google search, I came across this self-description from a member of the 'tribe': "I'm a member of a social organization called the Mayoki Indians. We basically just parade and party dress liked indians. I had
taken off my head dress in that picture."
I couldn't have said it better. He's referring to this
picture: , and the quote can be found here. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Tracy
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: -1
02 Jul 2004
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?? ! |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Unknown
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0
02 Jul 2004
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I think you have entirely to much time on your hands! Do you spend your whole day trying to get some form of trash on people? Nobody cares what you find out and what good will it do anyway? NOTHING! |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by sm
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 3
02 Jul 2004
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Someone cares or you wouldn't keep posting. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by me
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 4
03 Jul 2004
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You're right!! This is GREAT!! While we're at it, we need to go after the Shriners for mocking Islam(I don't see too many actual muslims riding go carts), The Pirates for dressing as people who looted and killed thousands of people, the Spaniards because of their tactics in central america during colonization, the Cowboys for killing Indians, mexicans and each other, The Hip Huggers for promoting drugs and sexuality, the Conferderates for obvious reasons, and anyone else who isn't 100% authentic, sensitive and educational. I propose instead of a Fiesta and Mardi Gras Parade, we should all sit in the street and read poetry. I can't wait for Halloween so I can lecture the uneducated and insensitive children(& their parents) who come to my door in costmes that aren't authentic. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by christine
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: -2
03 Jul 2004
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Really - when you think it about ALL white people are pretty annoying. It's would be SOOO hard to focus on just ONE group of 'em. White people LOVE to colonize- everyone of them. Wether in the states or elsewhere. Ya know? |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by sm
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 2
04 Jul 2004
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so true |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by James
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 3
04 Jul 2004
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There are some black Fiesta krewes. Chappie James being one of them! |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by sm
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 2
05 Jul 2004
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no one said anything about them. The purpose of this article isn't criticizing Native Americans for acting like Native Americans. I think the problem here is when people of another ethnicity try and pretend they are an ethnicity that isn't their own. There are Native Americans in Pensacola who are decendents of the tribes that they Mayokis pretend to be. If they are bothered by this representation and choose not to participate, it says something. Whether one chooses to recognize that or not. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Fereshteh
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 11
08 Jul 2004
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Brent said : "In doing a google search, I came across this self-description from a member of the 'tribe': '"I'm a member of a social organization called the Mayoki Indians. We basically just parade and party dress liked indians. I had taken off my head dress in that picture."'
Oh how nice! Just like "real" indians do. ***rolls eyes** Yes, just as we thought, rich white people getting drunk acting like idiots parading around in Native American "attire."
You will find his posting about "party dressing like indians" on that site Brent has given us under the name "Betelgeuse" in yellow text. Yep, all they do is party (and I might add, act like complete imbeciles). I hope the wrath of Wakan-Tanka comes down on them.
It's about time someone said something about this. Lauren, I applaud your efforts to expose this blatant racism and vile form of socializing. |
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Its great to be rich! |
by Jim Bob
none (unverified) |
Current rating: -1
12 Jul 2004
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Its great to be rich and watch all you real racists spout your spew of vile and hatered, shouldn't you all be out trying to find jobs? Maybe that is why you arn't rich, you spend all your time reading these time wasting liberal message boards. Get a real education, get a real job, make some real money, and stop bitching about everyone else. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by fia
fia (nospam) yahoo.com (unverified) |
Current rating: -1
12 Jul 2004
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"Its great to be rich and watch all you real racists spout your spew of vile and hatered, shouldn't you all be out trying to find jobs? Maybe that is why you arn't rich, you spend all your time reading these time wasting liberal message boards. Get a real education, get a real job, make some real money, and stop bitching about everyone else."
Instead of making such an ignorant comments it's quite clear you need an education because you do not know how to spell even such simple words as "hatred" and "aren't" and your grammar is atrocious. Give college a try. We did. Many of us hold college degrees. That's why we are writers, journalists and zine publishers.
By the way, Jesus Christ said, "And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24.
Good day! |
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What? |
by Jim
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: -3
13 Jul 2004
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Since when do you have to be poor and hate white people to enter the kingdom of God? You talk about tolerence, but spew out hatred of all "Upper Crust white folks"? I'm sorry to say but ALL hatred is a sin. Jesus had money, would you hate him? |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by mikey johnson
mikeyjohnson2k4 (nospam) yahoo.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 0
13 Jul 2004
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The poor offended upper crust. We must all show more love to the wealthy. They have shown us all so much love and compassion during these lean times. I remember once when I was starving that an upper crust white folk dressed up as a native american picked up my starving, dying corpse out of the gutter, let me rest my weary bones in thier mansion (they wanted me to call it a "tee pee"), fed me their strange but delicious foods, and gave me the ability to pull myself up from my own bootstraps. Now I am the CEO of all of Pensacola business. And if it weren't for those brave upper crust white philanthopists, sent down to save me by none other than Jesus himself (who incidently was an upper crust white person somehow living as the only white person in the middle east and is now a CEO in heaven*). God Bless the Upper Crust. Let us never pick on them again.
For more information on the blessing of the generous upper crust, please read the bible. It is filled with plenty of stories about how Jesus loved the glutunous rich and preached about how all poor people should get jobs. Let us never go down this path upper crust hating path again. Or we shall all be damned.
*Leviticus 4:19 |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by larenegade
compassiontothecore (nospam) hotmail.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 0
08 Aug 2004
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If you're upset about the Mayokis, too, be sure to come out for the forum "Challenging Stereotypes, Promoting Understanding" about how to move beyond Native American stereotypes and build alliances between Native and non-Native people. Local Creek hip-hop musician Shadowyze will present a short film, and Linda Lindsey, a Chicasaw Indian who helped organize protests against Geronimo's liquor store on Pensacola Beach, will be there. Everyone is welcome to participate in the discussion and brainstorming session on how to send the Mayokis the message that we won't tolerate their ignorant culture-as-costume charade any longer. The forum will be Wed., Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. at End of the Line Cafe, 610 East Wright Street. See you there! |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by CHARLIE
damnikuma (nospam) yahoo.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 9
27 Aug 2004
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Too often these types of issues go un-addressed. If only we would have met people similar to Lauren instead of the rest of relentless and heartless people that we obviously did and instead of having offspring that go along with the constant bruising of our pride, as many of you are doing, people would have respected the way that we were and are and perhaps could have been friends-racially. However, Lauren's type only shows up once out of many generations and slow down the complete annihilation of all of our people. First you defame us by example, then by trying to fit into our shoes. You couldn’t even stand to feel the ground beneath my 1/4" moccasin soles, but you like to pretend that you do.
In closing I leave you remaining readers with a favorite poem:
So You Wanna Be An Indian
So you wanna be an Indian with your beads
and feather and exotic furs or skins.
You wanna cash in on minority
programs and grants and being noticed.
And you wanna rub shoulders with Brando
and go to cocktail parties because,
suddenly you're interesting
and everyone wants to be your friend.
So you wanna be an Indian,
go to powwows, dance like one.
But you don't want to live on a reservation
or in some cheap hot & cold frame on the other side of the tracks in a city north of nowhere.
And you don't want to think about Sara, 34,
with her bloated, cirrhotic belly, dying, and
her seven kids, or have your non-Indian friends
catch you grinding corn on a metate,
or see the peppers and onions hang from the ceiling and kitchen walls in your home.
And you don't want to work the potato fields in Idaho or sell turquoise jewelry on the street in Flagstaff.
And you don't want to marry a drunken Indian
and get beaten up all the time.
And you don't want to pray the old way,
offer your flesh or fast four days.
And you don't want to go to prison
for fighting for your rights.
Okay.
Go Ahead. Be an Indian.
Native Americans will survive you, too.
Author Unknown |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Jessie
jessie(no <spam) (nospam) yahoo.com> (unverified) |
Current rating: 3
30 Aug 2004
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I have come back time and time again to read this article and all of the comments people have made. First of all, I would like to thank Lauren for stepping forward to bring attention to this. It has been way too long.
Next I would like to say something to the "woman" that calls herself "Queen White Dove"...
You are not fooling anyone trying to pretend you are such a nice loving and caring human being by writing such a response to this article. You make me and all other Native Americans sick. We try so hard to survive and you and your kind treat this like some kind of joke. Sure, you are 1/4 Cherokee...whatever. You are hiding behind this claim making it even harder for my race to overcome the 95% annhialation by your race. That's right. It has been documented that a nuclear war would have more survivors than the coming of the europeans to our homelands.
You also made a quote by martin luther about an apple tree. how dare you! you are basically saying that even though what you are doing is wrong, you will continue because of your own self greed and wants.
Oh poor you, having such heartwrenching weeks. Try having a heartwrenching life everyday having to watch people like you degrade us. Try striving to preserve your culture and protect your children while having people like you around to continually kill us wheter it be culturally or otherwise.
As for the missionaries in Peru, when does the nightmare end? I have friends from Peru/Equador who come here to visit. YOU and YOUR missionaries are the problem. Incan people and other tribes have lived a very very very long time in the Andes without the help of your christianity. If they are suffering it is because of your kind and for no other reason. Your people brought this on. No it is NOT in the past because we are still trying to survive today. Your laws protect you now, but nothing lasts forever. One day your people will be begging for help to survive and we will remember the way you ignored us. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by Toma McCammon
tomamf4 (nospam) yahoo.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 1
27 Oct 2004
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I am a proud member of the Cherokee Nation.And when I hear something like this it really saddens me. I think this group of people really need prayer. Maybe they don't know what they are doing is wrong. Who knows? But I will pray for these people. This is really sad. |
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Re: Racist mock-Indian tribe visits daycare center |
by cherokeemangus
cherokeemangus (nospam) juno.com (unverified) |
Current rating: 0
22 Nov 2004
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Show business: Yes! Educational for a school setting: No! I have no quarrel with Felipe Rose of The Village People, because his act is showbusiness and he has American Indian heritage. In comparison, this featured group is claiming to be mayoki indians which is really disturbing. A "Native American" could mean anyone born in America, but being an American Indian is as much a way-of-life as it is blood line and it is a tough road to travel. The first lesson is to have respect for a culture that was here first. |
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