So, Cliff and I watched Children of the Plains on 20/20. It's about the native Americans who live on a reservation in South Dakota, and the problems they face.
First of all, you have to remember that I LOVE Indians. I have wanted to BE an Indian all my life, and yes, I still do. If I were going to dedicate my life to helping any group of people, it would be native Americans... just because I want them to adopt me.
There are no jobs on the reservation. 80% of adults are alcoholics. It's pretty much a ghetto.
My first question was, "Why don't they leave the reservation?"
The question was answered toward the end of the program.
So, I'm watching this news show, and I notice that Indians, at some time in their lives, get a name that means something.
Names like "She Who Stands Strong in the Wind" or "He Who Never Falls".
"I want one of those names," I told Cliff.
Bad mistake.
There were so many descriptive names rolling off his tongue, I couldn't keep up.
None of them were names I'd want. And no, I won't tell you what they were. I have my pride.
Besides, Cliff isn't an Indian. I want a real native American to give me my name.
So there.