Opinion

Steve Russell: Take out the trash and Indian stereotypes too

Friday, May 6, 2011

"In spite of the gut-level feeling that justice has been done, in spite of the refreshing sense of relief, I still have to wonder, why did a raid on the lair of this animal get related to Geronimo? When I was in the service, one might shout the name of the Apache warrior when charging into a very difficult situation. I understand that. “Geronimo was fearless; so am I!”

Then there are military helicopters named Apache, Cayuse, Chinook, Choctaw, Iroquois, Kiowa, Shawnee, and Sioux. I’ve never heard any objection to this, because it’s not the same thing as the corporations that rip off tribal names for profit because we never thought to register our names as trademarks.

Geronimo was not a terrorist. He lived in a time when the rules differed. His first turn to warfare was inspired by the death of his wife and children at the hands of Mexican troops. From that time, he devoted himself to fighting the invaders, no matter which flag they flew.

As I write what I believe to be the truth about Geronimo, I can practically hear the catcalls about “political correctness.” Well, yes. It should not be considered politically correct to associate your worst enemy with people you expect to fight at your side.

My opposition to the death penalty makes an exception for the likes of Osama bin Laden, and I would also like to add a death penalty for the stereotype of American Indians as savage terrorists. President Obama, I hope you will think about this the next time you decide to take out the trash."

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Steve Russell: Taking Out the Trash (Indian Country Today 5/5)