Should European-Americans compensate Native Americans?
Please offer arguments to support your position, rather than simply voicing your opinion.
This is inspired by another recent debate which asks whether Europeans were wrong to invade North America. Because the "yes" side is winning in that debate at the moment, I'm creating a secondary Debate, which asks:
Let's assume for the sake of argument that the Europeans were wrong to kill/enslave millions of Native Americans, erase their culture and history, and force them onto reservations,
Should we do anything about it?
For example, should they be given some kind of compensation (money, power, etc), or just allow things to continue as if nothing happened? (ie, continue the status quo).
Please offer arguments to support your position, rather than simply voicing your opinion.
Yes, here's why and how
Side Score: 36
|
 |
No, and here's why not
Side Score: 32
|
|
|
|
|
I think that when people say compensate they automatically assume money or land reservations. I actually think that these Indian casinos spits on the graves of their ancestors in many respects. People need to get a few things straight. Firstly compensation should be rewarded when evils have been unleashed. Do not deny the history of America. However there has been terrible evils spread throughout the history of mankind. You don't see Mongolians giving compensation to the lands which they left mountains of skulls at. Or the Vikings compensating the women of the lands they raped. The Mongolians however did not claim to be a fair, just and equal society for all races and ethnicities. In the same way the Vikings shouldn't compensate their rape victims as it never claimed to be the moral authoritarian or leader in causes of humanity. America however claims to be a fair, accountable, just, equal for all, moral society. On these grounds it should not contradict itself. America shouldn't play double standards. It has had a hand in compensating other ethnicities. Israel is the classic example and there are many parrallels between the Jewish and Native American compensation claims. Why should America stick it's nose into Europe before sorting out it's own lands? I love the way America sticks its hands into other people's pockets but is never keen to pull out change from it's own. I also love the way those against this compensation would sing a completely different song if they were in a Native American's shoes. It shows that their arguments aren't fair and wise - only selfish. Especially since they're liberals. My arguments is that there should 100% be compensation - the only debate is what the compensation should be? Casinos have their ancestors turning in their graves imo. Side: Yes, here's why and how
I like this point. As you point out, compensation does not necessarily have to mean money or land, but We do indeed claim to be a just and humanitarian society and thus owe it to ourselves as much as anyone else to do something about this. However, there doesn't seem to be an easy fix. Apologies seem too small of a gesture, and taking money from the American Taxpayer might be unjust too, as ThePyg points out. I wonder if it's even possible to resolve such a conflict in a just way, or if it's legacy will simply continue to haunt us as a lesson to guide America's future conduct. Side: Yes, here's why and how
Well you gotta see how America works. Instead of building things, people sit there taking things off other people. This is just another example of people complaining for money or land and not working for it. However they do have a reasonable cause. Infact an extremely valid cause. It will cost the American taxpayer money - but it shouldn't be in the form of government cheques. It really depends on what they argue for - which most of the time I hear is the loss of their culture and heritage. If that is so, then they should be given vast amounts of lands to herd their buffalos and be able to live life as they did before the Europeans came and infested the lands. Building casinos and hotels and whatnot is bullshit. Side: Yes, here's why and how
Here's an analogy for those who say they've got nothing to do with Americas past. It's kind of like an extremist, fundamentalist muslim who's against the west, capitalism etc. eating a mcdonalds, on a DFS Couch, making anti-western videos on a DELL XP computer, in a council home living off government paychecks - after being granted asylym in UK. I know you guys can't look at yourselves in the mirror - but you're all able to judge others extremely well. If you're able - you should see how this case relates to you. Side: Yes, here's why and how
1
point
1
point
1
point
1
point
The US Government is responsible for doing this--they should pay. Not the American Taxpayers. They are already wasting our money on Corporate Welfare and senseless wars and defense contracts. Those people in power, along with the greedy B'tards that were making money hand over fist, such as the Corporations--the Railroad, Electricity, Communications, Energy, ETC. all still have foundations--They should pay. What do you say? What is difficult to compensate, imho, is all of the land and water and air that has been ruined, the animals that were butchered, the people who were wrongfully murdered in the name of progress and greed. How can you put a price on the immense losses. I also think that it is very serious how Casino's have been regarded as one of the answers to compensation to our Native Peoples. Gambling is a serious vice and a real waste of money-preying upon those who can least afford it that are desperate to get out of a financial crisis by creating more of a financial crisis. And stealing the $ away from those who are fooled into thinking that they can win and come out ahead..not to mention how Casino's contribute to crime and prostitution and abuse of hard drugs. To me, this is just another way to destroy a people--not to mention that alcohol was the first tool that was used to destroy indigenous peoples. My heart aches... Side: Yes, here's why and how
|
3
points
2
points
Absolutely not. I was not involved one bit. First off, any compensation to any oppressed group should be from the oppressors directly. Second off, my ancestors came to America after all of this happened. They were in Germany until the late 1800's, I believe. Therefore, I am completely unattached. Side: No, and here's why not
Therefore, I am completely unattached. That says it all. You're just avoiding the finger - not disputing it. This is the weak argument that everybody seems to have. You might not have been directly involved but you're definately indirectly endorsing it. Side: Yes, here's why and how
Thepyg pretty much said what I wanted to say ..again. (; I'm sick of this 'white guilt' garbage. I'm not going to apologize for something somebody els did. Why is race even a factor with this? Blaming all "European Americans" for something some "European Americans" did in the past is stupid and wrong and would be called racist where it another race. Side: No, and here's why not
1
point
2
points
Should European-Americans compensate Native Americans? Some people would say " then they should be given vast amounts of lands to herd their Buffalo's and be able to live life as they did before the Europeans came and infested the lands." Fair Enough ! I dont know about America. But we did and do just that, here in Australia for the Aboriginals. Most of them aren't so grateful for it and indulge in the "sins" of the "white fella" and shit on their reclaimed land abusing the "white fella" for coming and taking their land. You only have to go to "the block" in Redfern to see how much they give a shit for assistance. No matter what we give (special privileges etc) , in order to make peace with those that are disgruntled for what our ancestors did , they seem to be never content and still abuse the "white fella" , all whilst sucking on a goonie instead of a didgerido.My husband of Aboriginal descent finds their behavior an insult to the Aboriginal people.So do most "elders". Meanwhile , thank-goodness not all our Aboriginal people behave in this manner. But it is now becoming ridiculously unfair for equal rights of Europeans compared to that of others. I can almost suspect that if things dont stop soon ,Europeans will have very little rights to protect their rights.To attack , Europeans now, for things done so long ago is just done out of spite .WE ARE SUCH A MIXED UP INTERBRED WORLD , THAT AT THIS POINT IN CIVILIZATION , NO MATTER WHO ATTACKS , WE ALL GET AFFECTED. Wherever the shit falls, when i see tears and woes of devastation on the faces of whoever around our world my heart bleeds tears.WHATEVER HAS BEEN DONE HAS BEEN DONE.Let sleeping dogs lie or they may rip you apart. What do people expect Europeans to do ? Pack up and leave? Ha, it aint gonna happen and if it does ,we will take all our advancements to civilization with us! The clothes , the booze , the drugs, the cars ,the guns ,the gum ,the planes , the trains, the drumkit , the kitkat , the macdonalds , the coke , the technology , the electricity, the advanced communication, computers ,the matches,the microwaves,the can openers and the cans, the instant fire ,the toilets , the filtered water, the life saving services and the life saving equipment etcetcetcetc and before we leave we will zap you with our memory erasing raypens. There now , will that make you all happy ? Seriously , its time to get over it ! Side: No, and here's why not
No, they would have died out just like every other tribe in the Americas eventually did. And they are compensated, they have their casinos and don't have to pay taxes i think. Why would we compensate them for having in inferior civilization and us kicking their ass and taking the stuff around them. Side: No, and here's why not
I don't think people even realize all the "stuff" native americans actually receive. I grew up 10 minutes away from a Ute reservation and all of the Utes and Navajo's went to my high school. Elementary through high school, whether they needed it or not, the Native americans got free lunches, free school supplies and they always called all the native americans to the auditorium for a special assembly. Do you know what would happen if they said "can we have all the white students to the auditorium for a special assembly?" My mom also started her own family practice and then sold it to UNHS (Utah Navajo Health Systems) and so guess how much in taxes gets taken out of every check and given to them? 14,000 - ish dollars!!!! Every 2 weeks!!! Another thing is they claim to care soooo much about their land. I have never, ever driven through a dominantly native American town and not seen starving dogs and horses and a ton of litter on the sides of the road. They need to get rid of the reservations. If Native Americans want to enjoy the benefits that come from BEING an American then they need to contribute like the rest of us. If not, then they can stay on the rez but the government shouldn't give them shit. Side: No, and here's why not
0
points
IF you are for "Yeshua" seriously, you definitely need to rethink the comment you made. The greatest commandment is to Love your Elohim with all of your heart, your mind and your spirit", and the second greatest is to "Love your neighbor as yourself." You made a very non-loving statement for representing the name of Yeshua! It isn't about race. It is about annihilation of a native culture in the name of a Catholic and Protestant Yeshua... the peoples were killed as HEATHENS even though they worshipped YHVH. Did you know that you are already "being punished" by the Gov now who is using your tax dollars to bomb and kill people in other countries and stock up on weapons, camps and militarize our police to use on all of us. Do you think that is ok? i don't and we have no control over it. So being responsible for what our Gov did is not the answer. Love is. Side: Yes, here's why and how
You are wrong. Judge not lest you be judged. You have no right to judge me. My statements are not contradictory. I am not a racist.I do not support persecuting people. I only believe it is okay to kill if life or civil liberties are in danger. You are a liar. Side: No, and here's why not
|
