Opinion: The 'one-drop rule' and an American Indian identity

Friday, May 11, 2012  

"So what if Elizabeth Warren claims to be part American Indian? She's entitled, according to historical documents. Besides, Americans never have been all that clear or consistent about what distinguishes one race from another.

Republican Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts is calling on his Democratic challenger Warren to clear the air over questions raised by the Boston Herald as to whether she has used her apparently ancient and diluted Indian heritage to give herself an unfair employment advantage.

At least she's not lying about her background. Historical records seem to confirm that she has Cherokee ancestors. But is her background Indian enough?"

Get the Story:
Clarence Page: Is 'one drop' rule overruled? (The Oklahoman 5/11)

Also Today:
University of Pennsylvania Described Warren as a Minority Faculty Member (The New York Times 5/10)

Related Stories:
Opinion: Elizabeth Warren was an 'official minority' at Harvard (5/10)
David Treuer: Elizabeth Warren rightly claims Native heritage (5/7)
Kevin Noble Maillard: Senate candidate sees birther moment (5/7)
Senate candidate in Massachusetts defends Native identity (5/3)
Opinion: Is candidate Elizabeth Warren a Native American? (5/2)
Senate candidate in Massachusetts has a Cherokee ancestor (5/1)
Column: Democratic candidate accused of being a fake Indian (4/30)