Advantages/Disadvantages of being a Native American

As most would expect, there are advantages and disadvantages to belonging to any culture. Conditions and lifestyles that may seem normal to one culture often times may seem unusual or horrendous to another. When many think of Native Americans the first thing that comes to mind is reservations, stolen land, and a diminishing population, but most people don't realize that Native Americans face other disadvantages as well.

Many American Indian youth are repeatedly exposed to opportunities to participate in self-destructive and illegal behaviors. A 2001 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported the following rates of participation in a variety of high-risk behaviors among Native American youth aged 12 to 17 years in 1999-2000.

Illicit drug use by American Indian Youths was more than twice as high as the national average.

Binge alcohol use was higher (13.8%) than the national average (10.3%).

Heavy alcohol use was higher (3.8%) than the national average (2.5%).

Use of cigarettes was more than twice as high as the national average.

Getting into at least one serious fight at school or work in the past year was higher (22.1%) than the national

Quietness or silence is a value that serves many purposes in Indian life. Historically the cultivation of this value contributed to survival. In social situations, when they are angry or uncomfortable, many Indians remain silent. Non-Indians sometimes view this trait as indifference, when in reality, it is a very deeply embedded form of Indian interpersonal etiquette. In Native American life, the virtue of patience is based on the belief that all things unfold in time. Like silence, patience was a survival virtue in earlier times. In social situations, patience is needed to demonstrate respect for individuals, reach group consensus, and all time for “the second thought.” Overt pressure on Indian students to make quick decisions or responses without deliberation should be avoided in most educational situations. In traditional Indian life, work is always directed to a distinct purpose and is done when it needs to be done. The non-materialistic orientation of many Indians is one outcome of this value. As a value, attitude, and behavior, mutualism permeates everything in the traditional Indian social fabric. Mutualism promotes a sense of belonging and solidarity with group members cooperating to gain group security and consensus. In American education, the tendency has been to stress competition and work for personal gain over cooperation. The emphasis on grades and personal honors are

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