I abhor ignorance and apathy.

There are some things that make my very essence sizzle (with something akin to disgust) and they crackle under my skin urging for release. I call this "soul vomit." Two of the few (or many, depending on my mood) things that causes this essence upchuck are ignorance and apathy.

Allow me to begin with an anecdote: While sitting in class today, as we were attempting to discuss Montaigne's "Essays," the talk soon turned to the situation of American Indians (or Native Americans, if you prefer). You see, in Montaigne's essay, "On cannibalism," he battles with the concept of a less corporeal cannibalism. To him, those people who began to colonize South America, cannibalized their culture and should realize and stand accountable for their wrongdoing. We began to apply this idea of "cultural cannibalism" to the situation in North America. Personally, I agree with Montaigne. The American Indians suffered horrible tragedies at the hands of the white settlers in a way that exceeded any form of rebellion from any tribe: the settlers destroyed their culture. Now, with no way of being able to define themselves as men in the same manner that their ancestors did, it seems these once proud people have been reduced to mere husks of their former glory. Who is to blame for this?

I think the answer is obvious. Although, one girl in particular, who I shall call Mary-Sue, would not agree with me. According to her, "the Indians brought it upon themselves. They are alcoholics. I mean, if they are so poor why do they spend all of their money on alcohol?" Excuse me!? First thing, buying alcohol does not make someone an alcoholic (in the same way that me buying inordinate amounts of Pocky does not make me Japanese). Ever heard of the phrase, 'correlation does not equal causation?' Who is to say whether all American Indians are alcoholics? Alcoholism is not limited to the American Indian culture. Anyways, does this fact even make the situation unworthy of attention? No.

What really tipped the scales? Mary-Sue claimed that there was no reason to apologize to the Native American Indians because she did not do anything to them (as if she didn't somehow hold some sort of collective responsibility like normal Americans). Of course, in the same breath she stated, "we had slaves" when talking about her ancestors. It seems she wants to have her cake and eat it to. I also hate to point out that the Native Americans are still suffering horrible injustice and I feel that the only way to start making a difference in the situation would be to apologize for the wrongs that have been committed and take on the responsibility of what has happened in the past in order to make progress.