Trying to start a topic ...

and I'm being nice.

Something's on my mind lately, and I'd like opinions.

I have what I like to think of as three heritages. The foremost is Native American, and most know my battles and stances on that. The second is Irish, and someway that particular one has shown a resurrence -- probably a passing fade in society, but it's kinda nice.

The last is southern.

I have two heritages, cultures, that are being killed. The main one has struggled for so long, and I struggle with it. The southern one, this is fairly new. And it is a heritage, no matter what others feel.

My southern flag is being outlawed. My southern anthem is being fought against. My southern roots are aching.

My people never owned slaves. They were slaves of white men. I'm proud of my blood and the land, even though white men drove my people here and dropped them for dead. Do I still have the right to display my confederate flag, as a southerner? Can I play Dixie and Bonnie Blue Flag without offense?

Why is one race so much more than another? Why do African Americans get voice when Natives don't? Where can I feel pride without fear of offending someone? Where do I belong?

In a quandry, but painfully thoughtful,
--Lyr