Fighting Terrorism Since 1492
My mother-in-law sent this with the caption, “Ask the American Indians what happens when you don’t control your borders.”
The graphic has been in use for a few years, at least since 2005, and is usually found on t-shirts or bumper stickers. I was surprised to learn, though, just how many opinion pieces had been written about it and what writers believe it means.
Some, it turns out, see it as an affront to native Americans or believe that those who display the graphic are America haters. Joseph Farah’s article is an example. I thought he had completely missed the point, but it got me thinking. So I looked again at the graphic, this time without the caption that had accompanied it, and decided that he just might have a point or two.
But when I view the graphic in the context of the accompanying caption, I see it the way I suspect it was originally intended, to illustrate the importance of border security by implying (with tongue in cheek) that, had native Americans protected their borders against the invading European terrorists, the complexion of America might today be quite different.
I think as a society we need to develop a collective thicker skin and stop looking for things to find offensive. What do you think?
Doug
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Reader Comments (11)
I see both sides, but the caption makes me lean as you describe. If I try to put myself in the shoes of a native American, and without the caption, I might think it was a put down as thought my ancestors had been somehow inept and defeated. The caption makes the difference.
And you are right, we are so consumed with fear that we might inadvertently offend someone that we are afraid to step on a line. We have to lighten up. I think a lot of people don't know they should be offended until someone else tells them they should be.
I have to agree. I think the only problem with the t-shirts or bumper stickers is the lack of the referenves caption. It makes clear the intent of the graphic. Without it, the graphic makes little sense.
Some people need to get a life. There is more to live for than finding things to be offended by. This isn't even close to being offensive. Get over it!
It is just a joke, people! If this offends you, then there is no hope for you.
I am sorry but even I don't find this offensive and I am part Pomo. Some people pretend to be looking out for the sensibilities of native Americans but they are really trying to pretend to have a cause so they can feel good about themselves.
We don't need your help! Go get a life!
What is wrong with you people? Don't you see how a tee-shirt like this or a bumper sticker would offend an entire race? What do you mean, get a life, I am just calling attention to this wrong. What if you were an a Native American and saw this. Wouldn't you be offended?
Great, the "Offense Police" are on the scene. And you speak for the entire race? Obviously we need more like you.
I think if I were a native American and saw this, I wouldn't be offended, I just wouldn't get it, just like most people. If I saw it with the caption Doug mentioned, I would probably laugh. I sure wouldn't call the "Offense Police" to protect me from being offended.
Personally, I am offended and embarrassed by people who run around and tell everyone how offensive they are. Watch out before someone puts YOU on a t-shirt!
A case in point, right in this thread:
Jarrod points out that often people don't know they've been offended until someone tells them they should be. Ailen, of native American descent, says he (she?) is not offended. And right on cue, Barry announces that he/she, and we, should be.
Check and Mate.
She, thank you.
I don't believe anyone in our wonderful country is so thin skined as to be offended by a picture on a t-shirt. Maybe in Muslim countries, but not here.
All this fuss about a freakin' t-shirt? Our "pc" society is doomed!