Missing the point: Native edition

The following comment isn't awesome in the sense that most people interpret awesome -- as something with some form of merit; it is awesome in the sense that the I am filled with awe at the complete failure for people to understand the issues that they concern themselves with. At first I wasn't sure if I actually wanted to post it on here, because so far, most of the content has been stuff I can sort of chuckle at.

Comments relating to the Aboriginal peoples of Canada, on the other hand, are often the most ignorant and hateful posts that I have ever read. For the most part, I'd like to keep this blog free of much commentary, even though this is obviously not an objectively written blog. I'd rather people come to their own conclusions, without knowing 100% what side I'm on. In this case, I can't be neutral. This comment represents just one out of thousands that represent uneducated views of self-righteous Canadians who do not understand how colonialism has impacted the original inhabitants of their country, and who look at Aboriginals with such disrespect.

Simchi said:, in response to an article about the possible extinction of many of B.C.'s native languages:


"And you wonder why First Nations isn't set up for success. Instead of learning a language that only 10 other people in the world know, why not enable them to be productive citizens and learn English, French, Chinese, Spanish or German?

Simply, a language that actually has use and will enable them to rise out of an endless cycle of poverty and despair?"

From: B.C.’s native languages at risk of extinction (CBC)

So, please, educate yourselves. If you live in Canada, or anywhere else that has an Aboriginal population that was royally fucked by colonialism, please educate yourselves about what that means, and try to imagine what it's like. Then you'll understand why these languages are on the verge of extinction.