Native Americans suffered much persecution when the first American settlers landed upon North America. Native Americans were pushed from their land and were often hurt or killed in the European acquisition of land. Native Americans were not initially treated as citizens and were forced onto reservations. Some state reparations have been given to Native Americans from Americans but many nationally proposed reparations remain in limbo.
In order for Native American reparations to be successful, I believe that it must be a collective effort. “Reparations programs created by legislation generally seek to provide repair, through a variety of measures, for specific types of violation as well as for various classes of victims” (Magarrell). Many of the reparations planned involve land allotment and monetary reimbursement. However, these monetary reparations cannot substitute for the embarrassment and humility that was caused by American intrusion.
“By definition, all reparations have an important symbolic role in the process of building public trust and integrating victims into society” (Magarrell). The current reparation efforts for Native Americans revolve around exclusion of Native Americans from society. The Native Americans are sent to reservations and have little contact with regular American society. “It should be noted that reparations almost always fall short of victims’ expectations” (Magarrell). While Americans cannot grant all of the Native Americans’ wishes, we should aim to integrate them into society and to treat them as equals.
I believe that the Native American reparation program was initiated too quickly. Many Native Americans were calling for reparations but problems can result when programs are not well thought out. “A further risk is that interim reparations may effectively diminish prospects for a more complete program later” (Magarrell). Also, many symbolic reparations have been made to the Native Americans such as the granting of freedom and citizenship. “A commitment to unity or to welcoming victims who have been excluded from society’s care and protection will not be taken seriously by victims if it is not accompanied by at least some concrete material solutions for harm suffered” (Magarrell). Victims need to receive physical reparations but these reparations should be long lasting and not focus on the exclusion of Native Americans.
There are many limitations that will be encountered during the allotment of reparations to Native Americans. Many measures still need to be more concretely defined before implementation(Rubio-Marín, Bailey & Guillerot). The public outcry for reparations can actually hurt reparation implementation because rushed decisions will be forced. “There are limitations to taking even modest steps toward transformation absent a serious commitment on the part of the state and ruling non-indigenous elites to the wider transformations that crafting a more inclusive political order would entail” (Rubio-Marín, Bailey & Guillerot). Implementing reparations can put the reparation giver at risk. Financial burden can occur for America and could even lure Americans to further use Native Americans as scapegoats. I believe that careful planning will help to eliminate these factors and hopefully please everyone.
Great entry, Alexio! Well thought-out and presented!
ReplyDelete