<gasp>

Actually, I think photocopying money is illegal even for snarky purposes. But I also don't like to annoy the bell-ringers. It is like yelling at a Walmart cashier for the policy of their corporate body.

But it does make me feel good to walk by.

Then you weighed your need with your own ethos. It is what we all do.

HaHa! Criticism accepted! It does come off as a bit clunky, doesn't it?

Thank you. I always appreciate the readership and friendship.

Hi Todd,

I was a special education teacher focusing on Autism for near 10 years (now retired from the field) and have experienced much in that time. Some parents I worked with did a wonderful job raising and teaching their child, others were more resistant but each agreed that it was a difficult time punctuated with joy. Good luck with your practice and your parenting.

John

why should certain rituals only be for certain people?

Already explained that. There are cultural aspects of certain rituals that make them exclusive. If you can't see that for many native rituals then I don't know what to tell you.

You seem to think you have the priviledge of every cultural ritual under the sun. You don't. Some are not meant for you or me by nature of our culture and our past. If you think this is romanticizing then fine.

Have fun, do a sweatlodge, have a sky funeral. You seem to be lumping all of these cultures together anyway.

Cheers,

I suppose we all have the right to appropriate cultural pieces as we see fit. White drum circles, white sweat lodges (I call them saunas) etc.

Most natives I have met were more than open with their spiritual practices but some (not all) will ask you to leave when they sing "sad" songs. These songs are of a religious, personal and private nature. I can imagine what those songs are about and I respect that they ask me to leave for them. Does it sting a bit? Yes. But that is just pride.

Could I recoil and complain about reverse racism? Yes, but that would be short-sighted. There is a culture and religion to be shared and a culture and religion that is meant for the tribes only (even then only some tribes).

Cheers,

Sorry but you are missing my point. I didn't say anything about whether it is hokum or not. I said that certain rituals are not for non-natives. Sweat-lodge being one of them. I said nothing of magic but only mentioned tradition. My statements were not reflecting anything concerning Mr. Ray did.

My comments are not about mythologizing a culture but from my experiences of how natives feel about the appropriation of their rituals by non-natives. You can call that racism if you like. There are still divisions in native communities over whether any ritual or celebration should be open to whites.

Some reading for you: http://www.hanksville.org/sand/intellect/NAbibBel... http://www.uapress.arizona.edu/Books/bid1398.htm
Also "The Journey of Crazy Horse" does a wonderful job of explaining this view or you know, talk to a few natives.

Cheers,

I agree with belias2 on this point. Some songs are not meant for non-natives to hear. Those songs are sacred to a people and not open for all. Private songs. The Black Hills practically resonate with them. Every native community is split on how much of their culture is open to outsiders. Sun Dances. pow-wows and other secular events, sure, white people show up and enjoy the culture. Other aspects are not for all of us.

Can a wasicu run a sweat-lodge? Yes, with the proper training. Should they do so? No. I know non-natives in high standing that attend some events but even they admit that it is only after decades-long relationships and even then it is met with side-long glances.

You want to do a sweat-lodge? Find a medicine man and bring him a gift. Build a relationship over years. Then after all that time you will still not be allowed but at least you will, by then, if you listened, understand why.

Cheers,