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To the Misconceptions of the Native American With the popularity of "New Age", has also come the concept of romanticizing "Native Americans". There are those who assume that being of Native American heritage means that you know how to be a medicine man, you know healings, and that you are very spiritual. There are those who are wannabees and those who exploit Native American spirituality by "selling it". Native Americans know the truth. They know that just being Native American doesn't make you spiritual or a healer. It's the non-natives that have the wrong idea. Perfect example would be to look to your own heritage. Just because you may be Italian, German, French, etc descent doesn't mean you know the language, customs, folk dances etc. I've met many people who have irish in them but that doesn't mean they all know how to do the "jig" or are even able to. People have many different concepts about different nationalities and we all have heard them. Take for example, "Irish temper", "Italian means you are a good lover and can cook, "French are romantic", "Blacks can dance because they have rhythm", "Germans are stubborn", etc. This is stereotyping. The same holds true for Native Americans. Many of the young ones are just finding out about their heritage because for so long it was forbidden or because many were ashamed of being Native American and denied their heritage. It is the elders who have held on and are now passing it on to those who are interested. Being Native American is more than pow wow dancing, putting on a show for non-natives. It's a way of life. The same as being any other nationality is. There are reasons for their customs, dances, and rituals. Each person should find out more about their own heritage and why things were the way they were, what the customs mean, and learn about their own folklore. Be proud of who you are and where you come from. Learn about others and respect their ways. You will be surprised at how much you have in common then. Yes, you will find that you share some of the beliefs of others, such as the respect Native Americans and many other Indigenous tribes have for the Earth. You may find yourself interested in their medicines, ceremonies, etc, and that is alright. We are all connected and must learn from each other as well as share with each other. But we must remember to respect their cultures and that it doesn't make us wannabees or something we aren't. When you study other cultures, their ceremonies, their medicines, etc; don't be afraid to ask questions but also be respectful of them. You will learn more by asking and listening. Be weary of those who want to charge an absorbant amount of money to share with you what God gave them as a gift or who are looking to make money off their heritage and let you think that you will now become one of them. Listen and learn and you will know in your heart what is right for you for that is where your spirit exists.
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