NTGNTP (6th Draft): RELATED CONCERNS Part 4.3.0

The following was writted in 1995 as a means of keeping "Neither the Government Nor the Population - 6th Draft" from being misused.

3. On the greater issue of ripping-off cultures, and the lesser concerning "wanna-bes:"

Cultures have been toppled, crushed, externally redefined, eradicated, pillaged and even ignores throughout human history. Strife has been a constant factor in the human condition. Genocide is an entirely more recent matter. Previously, the vanquished were seen to posses something worthwhile. After all, why bother to conquer someone for nothing; even if only for rape, plunder or enslavement. Often the defeated were accorded some honor befitting enemies. The Romans flew the standards of their conquests, and even beneficially absorbed Greek culture. The great tragedy of the americas is the refusal to afford the same respect toward the vanquished native peoples. The indigenous cultures and people have been systematically eradicated. Only about 2% of the U.S. population can be considered native. Genocidal policy has been practiced with few exceptions throughout the western hemisphere. The survivors are steadily losing their heritage and identity. A few generations will see even these remains disappear. One should afford them the courtesy once given to those defeated, and let their once-proud cultures die in peace. Popular trivializations represent the final insult by consigning them to a worthless consumer fad. Suburban sweat lodges are a decadent affront to these memories. Western culture may seem weak, but spitting on the few survivors of genocide is not an improvement. Rather, it doubly confirms the decline. Restraint has been supplanted with pathetic angst-filled spirituality. Too much has already been taken.

Genuine character and beliefs are respectable. Slumming "wanna-bes" only invite contempt and scorn for their fakery. Even flattering imitation is condescending toward those with little or nothing but their identity. The paranoid may even become suspicious of motive. If one rejects the mainstream it should be created anew. Decadence is no real answer in response to a deteriorating society. One must employ sentience rather than flight or fight reaction. The sickness can be easily driven out by employing the fore-brain. Even pacifism may sometimes prove optimal, rather than fighting someone else's battles. However absolutes negate survival and should be avoided. Commodification is the worst sin. Bastard Capitalism can and will buy and sell anything. Sometimes the price is too high. Western symbolism is unique and certainly has characteristics worth acknowledging. A few things could be learned from the native cultures, besides a dollar value. Strength lies in character, not farcical observances. Marketing scams can damage. Respect is earned, not purchased. Pretentious attitudes mean nothing. Native art and ritual has meaning beyond the banal avant-guard fraud. Self-pity is worthless and disgusting. It demonstrates the lack of will. Death is a preferable alternative, having more real meaning than a stupid fad. The monsters can be ground into dust by those with strength. Otherwise eat cyanide, and clear the path for those more able. The first step is a hard, fast and resounding "NO!" The remainder requires hard work, not trendy illusion. Stagnation is the real enemy.