A program on NPR is claiming Native American ancestry or heritage. It is an interesting phenomenon that many Native Americans do not have a culture of proselytizing their religion or seeking to convert or induct members into their tribes. One of the commentators mentioned how unseemly western religions are for doing this.
It’s all about balance. If you were a minority living as a non-member among a large society of Native Americans and felt excluded, you would find this approach to be elitist. Currently, with our demographics, this isn't a concern.
On the other hand, it is human to proselytize. We think our tastes (whether it’s music, food, style, or entertainment choices) are the “end all and be all” of fine living. When we abandon this desire to make all men in our own image, we will cease to be human.
Nevertheless, it is also good that cultures and groups exist that stand as unambitious refuges for those who are confident in their unique isolation from popular culture.
Loren M. Lambert © June 8, 2012
It’s all about balance. If you were a minority living as a non-member among a large society of Native Americans and felt excluded, you would find this approach to be elitist. Currently, with our demographics, this isn't a concern.
On the other hand, it is human to proselytize. We think our tastes (whether it’s music, food, style, or entertainment choices) are the “end all and be all” of fine living. When we abandon this desire to make all men in our own image, we will cease to be human.
Nevertheless, it is also good that cultures and groups exist that stand as unambitious refuges for those who are confident in their unique isolation from popular culture.
Loren M. Lambert © June 8, 2012
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