"Like any ethnic identity discourse, the “Native” conversation is complicated and convoluted. Yet, in the twin pursuit(s) of political correctness and genuine good intentions, most people make good-faith efforts to trudge through the discourse in a respectful manner.

We do the best that we can.

Unfortunately, the singular exception to those good-faith efforts is for the Native people of this continent. When Native people are the topic of discussion, we don’t “do the best we can.” Instead, non-Native people assume that they inherently know about Native people, without listening to the Native voices themselves."

Get the Story:
Gyasi Ross: Don’t Know Much About Indians (but i let non-indians speak for them anyways) (Racialicious 5/2)

Also Today:
Latoya Peterson: Lies, Damned Lies, and the Complicated Accounting of Identity (Racialicious 5/2)
Deb Reese: “Queen Chief Warhorse, Tchufuncta Nation, Chahta Tribe” (Racialicious 5/2)