These charts are made from a new YouGov Poll done between June 5th and 7th of a random national sample of 1,000 adults, with a 4.1 point margin of error.
I must say I was rather pleasantly surprised at this survey's results. It tells me that many Americans are starting to understand and admit that not everything in our history was good. In fact, especially in our actions toward Native Americans (and African slaves), our history is pretty dark -- full of heinous acts based on a view of white privilege and superiority.
This has in the past been something most Americans didn't want to admit (or even discuss). Even as late as the 1950's and 1960's, when I was in school, the idea of "Manifest Destiny" was being taught in all the schools -- which is little more than a thinly disguised excuse for white superiority. It was the idea that Americans, mostly white and christian, had the right to use any means necessary to achieve their goal of expansion.
Maybe we are finally moving beyond this hideous view of U.S. history. A plurality of 40% will now admit that the U.S. committed genocide against Native Americans. I think that should be a higher percentage, but it's only recently that we will even discuss the possibility that we committed genocide.
It does get better though. A clear majority of 57% say the U.S. did commit "crimes against humanity" in its westward expansion. About 52% say the government owes an apology to Native Americans, and a whopping 80% believe it is important to preserve Native American cultures.
NO!! WE do not have to conserve the AmerIndian culture. IF THEY think it is important then THEY can preserve it.
ReplyDeletePreserving superstition leads to BS like ...No you can't build an observatory there cuz our BS delusional beliefs think there is a gawd there (Hawaii). No you can't build a hotel there cuz our BS delusional beliefs think there is a gawd there (India).