Can't Blame Anyone Else for My Problems

Abstract

That is when did not know how to spell it in a sixth-grade spelling test. But somehow have never been subjected to unfair treatment or criticism from others because of the color of my skin. really believe that! am a full-blood Saginaw Chippewa Indian tribal member who is trying to enter the world of academia late in life. have taught part-time at the University of Texas College of Communications and last year at South Dakota State University's Journalism Department. But in my lifetime, much more has been given to me than has been taken away. did have one student in Texas question me after class, asking if thought really was qualified to teach journalism. looked at her and shook my head while thinking of the right thing to say. I guess I'm not qualified to teach it, but have been qualified to do it for more than a quarter-century said. All know is that I've probably already walked down that path you want to travel and my job here is to tell you about some of the bumps in the road. do think discrimination exists for many Native people, but also think it is more rare than many are led to believe. Maybe feel that way because of my experiences in high school athletics. was an OK player on some very not OK teams. In football was our main running back. When would run around the corner of our porous line, there would be many players there to meet me. Soon, would be spitting up red Oklahoma dust. On-field or on-court experiences were similar in basketball, baseball, and track and field. learned quickly that losing was something that happens despite your best efforts at times, and learned how to bounce back for more. So when did not get the job