06-09-2012, 12:00 AM
Gonzo wrote:
Here's what I thought was a good article dealing somewhat with the business of "selling spirituality".
http://www.thetrackingpro...iteups/theftofspirit.htm
Perhaps one of the big differences between NA's and our current culture is that the WhiteMan culture is centered around money. If you wish to show interest in something, you pony up the bucks and expect to get what you pay for, whereas in NA culture, there is perhaps a different style of "commerce". It seems to revolve around "filthy lucre".Good article, I agree w/ some of it, disagree w/ other parts, but generally speaking, I don't think anyone on this forum is selling or profitting from "Native American rituals or ceremonies." My own work is my own work, and I'm sure Songbird would say the same. Native Americans don't hold the copyright on spirituality, nor does any other group. But like I said - this really isn't about anyone here profitting from Native American rituals. I've been to a few pow-wows, and there's nothing more annoying than some new age bliss ninny "white person" (to borrow Sikimiwa's phrase for a moment) hopping around and pretending to be a Native. OTOH, there's nothing to say that person doesn't have something to offer - but they REALLY need to find their own voice, their own identity.
Like I said to Sikimiwa in response to a private message, I've never charged anyone who has come to me sincerely seeking spiritual knowledge or advice. Anybody who's ever visited my forum or emailed me should certainly know that. But... then again... it's more fun to believe what you want to believe. Truth be damned. There are at least 10K other things we COULD be discussing with equal passion.
Why is this continuing? Or is it simply that no one is the least bit interested in the path, but only in conflict? Seems to be the case.
Here's what I thought was a good article dealing somewhat with the business of "selling spirituality".
http://www.thetrackingpro...iteups/theftofspirit.htm
Perhaps one of the big differences between NA's and our current culture is that the WhiteMan culture is centered around money. If you wish to show interest in something, you pony up the bucks and expect to get what you pay for, whereas in NA culture, there is perhaps a different style of "commerce". It seems to revolve around "filthy lucre".Good article, I agree w/ some of it, disagree w/ other parts, but generally speaking, I don't think anyone on this forum is selling or profitting from "Native American rituals or ceremonies." My own work is my own work, and I'm sure Songbird would say the same. Native Americans don't hold the copyright on spirituality, nor does any other group. But like I said - this really isn't about anyone here profitting from Native American rituals. I've been to a few pow-wows, and there's nothing more annoying than some new age bliss ninny "white person" (to borrow Sikimiwa's phrase for a moment) hopping around and pretending to be a Native. OTOH, there's nothing to say that person doesn't have something to offer - but they REALLY need to find their own voice, their own identity.
Like I said to Sikimiwa in response to a private message, I've never charged anyone who has come to me sincerely seeking spiritual knowledge or advice. Anybody who's ever visited my forum or emailed me should certainly know that. But... then again... it's more fun to believe what you want to believe. Truth be damned. There are at least 10K other things we COULD be discussing with equal passion.
Why is this continuing? Or is it simply that no one is the least bit interested in the path, but only in conflict? Seems to be the case.