Hering, Evidence, and Assertions

I couldn't resist noting a little problem this Hering editorial: There is zero connection to the problem at hand and Hering's conception of a solution. In fact, I'd say his characterization of the "problem" is, in fact, a problem itself.

Let's see exactly what Hering says...

Here is the problem:

An anthropologist at the University of Oregon has told state Superintendent Susan Castillo that research has shown that the display of Indian stereotypes, no matter how positively they might be intended or regarded by white people, damages the self-esteem of Indian students, even if they don’t admit it.

(My only comment: Of course - even positive stereotypes create impossible expectations on behavior.)

Here is Hering's solution:

One way may be to end the official status of tribes as “nations” that always need help, and of their members and descendants as protected minorities. If people are told all the time they need special help and treatment, fragile self-esteem might not come as a big surprise. (hh)

Does anyone else see the incredibly gigantic disconnect between his assertion and the evidence he offers?

The mascots in question - Warriors and other "positive" stereotypes of Native Americans - bear absolutely no resemblance to what Hering describes as the state of affairs regarding Native Americans. In fact, the evidence Hering does cite - the study that found that all stereotypes are damaging - sort of disproves Hering's point entirely by showing that even if Native Americans had a solid material existence and were confronted with positive stereotypes, they would still be faced with what Hering calls "self-esteem" issues.

This is, of course, to say nothing of how shitty it is to suggest that the real problem is that Native folks just have "low self esteem" and that if, as Hasso suggests, those stupid Indians just suck it up, we could all go on and enjoy our white-supremacist mascot traditions.

I wonder if Hering has any idea how incredibly deprived, bigoted and racist this editorial is.