The stereotypes still exists.
Colonialism hasn't been eliminated, it still exists through new forms:
The foolish actions of a teacher in Wisconsin toward an Aboriginal student early March 2012, proves that it still exists...
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| Miranda Washinawatok, 12-- Wisconsin |
Miranda Washinawatok, a 7th grader, at Sacred Heart High School, was banned from playing in her high school basketball game after her teacher overheard her teaching fellow students how to say "please", "hello" and "thank you" in her Menominee language.
Julie Gurta, Washinawatok's teacher, reacted angrily and punished the student. The same story in history of residential schools--- denying Aboriginal people the right to speak their own language, have faith in their own belief, to live their own lives.
Gurta, of Polish decent, believed that the student was saying "bad words". The question isn't what bad words was the student teaching her peers, but why did Gurta assume it was bad?
Aboriginal heritage has been seen (historically) as uncivilized, "bad", and in direct opposition or threat to Christianity and whiteness.
Gurta reacting in this manner is based on assimilation ideologies, and makes visible the ideas of who belongs and who doesn't. The same ideologies that was the basis for Whites that forced Aboriginal children from their homes and families and into residential schools. Their heritage was forced denounced, language forgotten and anyone deviating from this was physically and psychologically punished.
Although the school board seems apologetic, Julie Gurta has yet to accept any blame.
