Document A: The Ongoing Marginalization of Native Americans
This document highlights the persistent marginalization and poverty faced by Native Americans in the United States. It emphasizes that while recent protests have focused on racism against African-Americans, the historical and ongoing oppression of Indigenous peoples is often overlooked.
The text traces the oppression of Native Americans back to Christopher Columbus's arrival in 1492, detailing the brutal policies of European invaders that led to widespread death and cultural destruction. It then presents stark statistics on the current socioeconomic status of Native Americans:
Highlight: One out of three Native Americans live in poverty, with a median income of $23,000 per year.
The document also discusses educational disparities, high incarceration rates, and health issues affecting Native communities. It challenges the notion that Native Americans are ignored due to their small population, arguing that this demographic data is misleading.
Quote: "The racial divide in the United States has only been framed as only Black and White in the media. Seldom does the media focus on native people in any way."
This statement underscores the need for greater Native American representation in media and public discourse.