Payback!

 

If the world as you, the reader of this, know it, was suddenly ripped away from you and your entire universe came crumbling down over your head and was never, ever to be the same again...how would you deal with it? If your kids were ripped away from you, many of whom would die and you would never see again (and if they were "lucky", they were just raped and beaten for speaking your own language), if they were emotionally, physically, sexually abused by those who abducted them, by those who "knew better", were "superior", were "better" human beings...how would you feel about it? If your culture, your tradition, your language, your belief system...your everything...was slated for permanent eradication from this planet, if you were targeted for complete genocide...how would you feel about it?

Well, I hope you will at least read that paragraph one more time and then think really, really carefully and long about, because here is why I ask:

For 500 years the first nations have been living under the boot of the white man, and quite frankly, I think it's about time - high time - to turn the tables. I think, for the next 500 years, it should be the white man (and yes, that would include myself) who should be forced to live under the boot...or moccasin...of the first nations people. I actually believe, from the bottom of my heart, that would be very fair and equitable and a good step (big enough that it actually shows commitment) on the path to reconciliation. And yes, I would be happy and willing to be the first one going back through the same door that people came through before me. But in the opposite direction. Same tide, but in reverse. You see, I think we (all of us) would actually be better off. And yes, I actually believe that. Seriously! I think that the first nations ( already from the time of Aztec, Mayan and Inca civilization) had superior brain capacity and values, morals and ways of living that we, the proverbial "white man", just can't wrap our little, limited mind around. I think we could learn a lot...like, a LOT...from the first nations people. Unfortunately I also think it's not very likely to happen. Neither the "going back" part nor the "learning a lot" part. But it would be a good thing if it really was to happen. It might in fact, be our only hope of survival as a species. "The rescue of the Homo Sapiens", the current day Dinosaur.

I should be forced (in my particular case, I would actually volunteer) to live in a first nations community where I would learn such basic things as the supreme ruler of this planet is...Mother Nature. Nevermind the supreme ruler of "this planet". The supreme ruler of...everything! I should be sent far, far away. Hopefully all the way to the Gwaii Haanas or Qausuittuk, where I would be educated in how to live in balance with, and with respect for, the natural world. My days of perverse over-consumption and needless waste would come to a very, very sudden halt. My days of selfish greed would be starring into the barrels of a shotgun (or at a tomahawk) and I would actually learn the values and benefits, the necessity of a community based approach, as vital to my existence. Talk about a "shocker", eh. And I've barely even started, yet.

Everywhere I'd go, I'd see symbols of Mother Nature, the supreme ruler. I would eat when she allowed me to pick from her basket of treasures, but often I would go to bed hungry, thinking about my previous life. I know it might be a bit much for the average Canadian mind to grasp and fathom, let alone the new arrivals, but for me it makes perfect sense and would be a gift, and a golden opportunity for humanity en masse.

I would be forced (happily) to attend potlachs and pow-wows and all sorts of ceremonies. Of course I would be forbidden to speak any other language than my new community language and if I did anyway, someone would wash my mouth with soap and beat the shit out of me. But on the upside, I would see my previous life in a new light. A more realistic light. It would be a transformation of biblical proportions.

All western food, dance and music would be outlawed, of course. In fact, anything non-native would illegal and there would be severe penalties for getting caught in any western activity.

Now, we obviously can't go back to the way things were "pre-contact", but living under the modern day boot of the First Nations culture, would truly be enlightening and probably our only hope of "salvation", indeed survival as a species. The white man needs a baby sitter. Somebody to show him the way.

Oh, ya, I almost forgot; the prison system, whatever that looks like under the first Nations system, would of course be stuffed primarily with white people. White people who never had access to a fair and impartial trial. And when white people goes missing? Who gives a shit?

On a more positive note, I truly believe that "payback" would be good for all of us. For humanity in general. And I have faith that they will treat us better than we treated...and treat...them.

Anyway! Just a few thoughts on the subject as I subjectively see it. You are more than welcome...in fact, I encourage you...to leave comments and "let me have it".

Have a great day.

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