new thread
Well, it has been a bit of a crazy Summer. I have done some more research, talked to some people, experienced some stuff and at this point I am confident in saying that I am Edisto. I am not giving into the whitewash and letting my Native flag fly. I am mixed European and Native and have nothing against either part of my background.
I am finally getting respect from people around me and I am just being myself. My people are not dead. We are here in front of you in plain sight. Thank you to all of you for your help, encouragement and love. You are definitely Native brothers in my book. Please remember us, the Edisto people of the Southeast Coast.
We respect ourselves and how we were created. We are connected to our people, the land and living. Our natural hair is part of that. We are your friends and want your respect. We do not need welfare, we can survive like we have been doing despite repression for nearly 200 years. Thank you all for letting me share this with you. It is part of being Native. No shame, no more. I love you all, thanks for respecting your Native brothers. You are Native in spirit. Thanks for respecting me.
Touching post, brother! =)
Glad you have completed a circle in your life, and learned to better know your heritage, origins and family, as well as grow a deeper attachment and love to your hair as part of your culural background :)
Great post - Good thoughts - I'm glad you are finding your roots and proud to share them with us...
Thank you for sharing your story... we support you....
....The Spaf Man
It all sounds good to me, and I greatly appreciate what you shared here.
Racially-speaking, I am probably at least 99% of mixed European ancestry. But back in the 5th grade, I had a Science and History teacher who was half Native American Indian, and I credit him with opening my eyes to dispelling a lot of the myths that were common in those days, and hearing for the first time the beauty and wonderful spiritual philosophies of Native cultures.
Allowing ourselves to let our hair grow out in a more natural way is just one such blessing that we can appreciate from various Native and Tribal cultures encouraging us to do. Living under another's oppression, -- whether it is feeling forced to comply with unwanted ugly short haircuts, or any other types of oppression (regardless of whether subtle or obvious) -- the day ultimately comes when we are called to break free, in order to become our genuine selves.
This kind of war is always worth fighting for; so you certainly have my full support & respect here!
With Much Admiration & Appreciation,
Ken in San Francisco