The second article sounds like it was written from an activist point of view. Not to say that I don't have some leanings in that direction, but I've heard the rhetoric many times from educated urban Indians that didn't grow up on the rez. Primarily, they believe the "alcoholic myth" is a stereotype perpetuated by the evil dominant society in order to have us kept down by "the man" lol!
Even if there is a higher rate, they theorize that it's only a byproduct of the despair of poverty and oppression by (you guessed it)the Man. Admitting to a predisposition is equal to being "genetically inferior" in some way. Personally I think they are speaking from ignorance an shame about being Indian.
I'm not saying that we don't have tremendous challenges living in today's America, but I don't think enabling alcholics and addicts by giving yet anouther excuse not to take personal responsibility is doing anyone any favors.
When I run into one of these kind of folks, I usually invite them to quit spouting the rhetoric and fighting battles against Indian mascits long enough to join me in the trenches on the rez for a year.
They'd be put to better use helping our youth and chopping some wood for the elders.
Yikes, there I go on the soapbox again.
I'm just trying to distract myself from the housework & laundry that's calling my name.
