Letter: Navajo Nation commission clings to victim mentality

Opinion

Friday, June 11, 2010

"The PC police may crucify me, but somebody has to say it. The Farmington Community Relations Commission is working on a general agreement with the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission, or NNHRC, to collaborate on improving interracial relations in the area. The NNHRC wanted to include language to the effect that, "We must never' forget the tragedies inflicted against the Navajo people ," and "we intend to move forward' by acknowledging that racism and other destructive actions were inflicted upon the Navajo and this racism continues in America to this day." Excuse me? This is moving forward? Mayor Roberts was right in suggesting the language be removed.

There is no denying that the Navajo tribe and its people have been mistreated in the past. And granted, pockets of racism still exist on both sides of the aisle, and unfortunately always will. But the majority of the people in San Juan County (Anglo, Native American, Black or Hispanic) live, work and play without even distinguishing that there is a racial difference. We are friends, neighbors, co-workers and business associates. While we shouldn't forget what happened in the past, we also will never get beyond it if the coals are fanned back to flame at the start of every conversation. That language keeps the old wounds exposed and implies that racism always has been and continues to be a white-against-Navajo problem. Prejudice goes both ways, and relationships are a two-way street."

Get the Story:
George Sharpe: Navajo Human Rights Commission clings to victim mentality (The Farmington Daily Times 6/11)

Earlier Story:
Decision on discrimination agreement delayed (The Farmington Daily Times 6/8)