-=> Quoting Sondra Ball to Robin Arnhold <=-
Hi, Sondra,
  > SB> just because you know or like an Indian doesn't necessarily make you 

 > SB> wanabi.
 
 RA>Right.  Nor does an interest in learning about Indian people, their
 >history, the history of Indian-non-Indian relations, issues currently
 >faced by Indian people, or, for that matter, going to a pow-wow and
 >buying artwork produced by an Indian artist.
 SB> 
 SB> People who are simply interested in Indian things are sometimes
 SB> threatened by all the wanabi talk, when they really are happy with
 SB> being who they are.  
I suspect they are afraid that if they show their interest, they'll be
labelled as wanabis.  The d.c. is 'great' at labelling people based on
superficial appearances and quick judgments, and this is probably the
only experience they have of how things are done.  Me, I've always
preferred to take my time and get to know a person well before drawing
any firm conclusions about what they are or aren't.
 SB> Hey, I'm interested in folk tales from all over
 SB> the entire world, but I really am OK not being a descendent of a
 SB> Spanish princess.
And even if you were the descendent of a Spanish princess, you'd likely
be the same Sondra we all know--your priorities definitely seem to be in
order.  I am having a private giggle, though, as I do have a friend who
is of mixed Indian, Chinese, and European heritage.  He does have a
Spanish princess somewhere back in the European side of the family, but
it doesn't seem to affect him unduly.  I'm certain Bill would be Bill no
matter what he was.
Take care,
Robin
--- Blue Wave/DOS v2.20
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