by Rev. J.R. Norwood, PhD
I write this on July 4, Independence Day in the United
States. As many gather to celebrate America’s break from royal tyranny, they
will read the Declaration of Independence both in public gatherings and in
private homes. There will be a sense of pride as the words are spoken. Many
have pointed to these words as a standard, or aspiration to which our nation
continues to strive. For those who are enlightened, there is the constant
realization that many who signed the declaration declaring their own freedom
and inalienable rights were enslaving other human beings who they deemed to be unworthy
of such blessings because of the color of their skin. But, for the Declaration
of Independence, the argument has been that in its lofty wording can be found
the roots of emancipation for those who were held in bondage at its signing.
However, this does not apply to the words of condemnation placed upon
indigenous people. In listing the
complaints against the British crown, far less lofty words are found: “He has excited domestic insurrections
amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers,
the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare, is undistinguished
destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.”
These words are repeated again and again in the celebration
of American independence as the declaration is read. They suggest that
indigenous disputes with American expansion must have been stirred by foreign
manipulation instead of the natural human response to broken promises, stolen lands,
inhumane treatment and subjugation. We Eastern nations of Turtle Island, who in
many cases practiced obligatory hospitality enabling the very survival of the
ancestors of those who penned these awful words, who extended a welcoming hand
to the early immigrants to share our land with the expectation of them continuing
to acknowledge that it was indeed ours to share, who suffered as much as a 90%
death rate in our population due to conflict and foreign disease (sometimes
spread by accident and at other times as an early form of biological warfare)… we
were the merciless ones? For my own ancestors, whose practice of warfare was typically
limited to small skirmishes and characteristically resisted the killing of
women, children, and the elderly… we were the savages? A simple look at the
facts of history make the statement laughable at least and hypocritical at
worst. But the damage is not limited to the mid-1700s. The impact of these hate
filled words continues today. They stab at our hearts, reopening an old wound
that refuses to be healed.
At American Indian gatherings, the American flag is held
high and given great respect. But, as we claim our own place in this so-called “nation
of immigrants,” we are constantly reminded that though we were here first, we
are so often excluded, still treated as outsiders or non-entities, relics of
the past whose issues, struggles, and concerns are easily ignored.
I acknowledge the significance of Independence Day, while
also remembering it’s hypocrisy. In one sense it may have been a great stride
forward in the human struggle to establish a government of the people and
declare the right of the people to regulate their government. Yet, in another
sense, it is a reminder that even in the most celebrated moments, human sin is
still present and the need for repentance remains. As Americans, often mindlessly, repeat the
refrain, “God bless America,” it is far more vital that we thoughtfully and
prayerfully summon America to truly serve God and be a blessing… and, realize
the need for repentance, healing, and reconciliation.
