Nathan Phillips: A Beacon of Hope

In light of recent events, I want to take a step back, acknowledge and applaud Nathan Phillips. Vietnam veteran. Omaha elder. Keeper of the secret pipe. Water Protector at Standing Rock. Tribal member of the Omaha Nation.

And now... my personal role model.

I want to applaud him for graciously handling a situation that I probably wouldn’t have had the patience for.

To recap, a group of white high school boys surrounded Nathan and mocked him as the Native American sang and performed. The cowards were all chanting to “build the wall.”

This disgraceful and disgusting display of mockery was filmed and shared by the organizers of the indigenous people’s march that took place January 18.

As this was happening, Nathan showed grace and resilience as one MAGA-wearing prick stood there smiling mockingly.

Later, Nathan expressed his feelings about what had happened in a separate Instagram video which showed him shedding tears and recalling that:

"I heard them saying 'build that wall, build that wall'. These are indigenous lands, we're not supposed to have walls," [...] "I wish I could see that energy of that young mass of young men, put that energy into making this country, really, really great, helping those that are hungry."

As I saw that video, I couldn’t help but shed a tear for him myself. I travelled to the wild west states and have stepped on tribal lands, welcomed graciously into their homes, and made conversations. I have a special place in my heart for Native Americans.

Sometimes, while I travel by buses or cars, look outside to observe the mountain landscape, I can’t help but think how much more peaceful and incredible it would be if they had ruled their sovereign land.

White people have already taken more than their fair share of the indigenous land. They have stripped Native Americans of their identities, families, homes, and pride.

Native Americans, whenever faced with these acts of indecency in the 21st century, continue to prove that they wish for peace and respect. Yet we continue to mistreat them and disrespect them just because we have small dicks and overly inflated egos.

I don’t want to shed light on all the high school boys that have already garnered too much attention from the media.

I do, however, want justice. I understand that kids often follow by example set by their parents or guardians, teachers or professors. I get that.

At some point, though, it’s necessary to implement authoritative action. Young boys aren’t disciplined enough. No one grabs them by the ears anymore, shakes them up, and demands to know what the hell they were thinking. No one.

Nowadays, we continue to look the other way, kiss them on their zit-infested foreheads and say, “It’s alright, son.”

It’s not fucking alright.

The Covington Catholic High School in northern Kentucky said that they’re going to take immediate action and consider expulsion.

I really hope that they live up to their empty promises because I grew up Catholic and I sure as hell know that we’re supposed to honor and respect our elders, something that these privileged assholes may have forgotten about.

Quite frankly, I don’t care that their futures and academic careers are in limbo now. As an American, you’re allowed to express your political stance, but you’re not allow to condemn bigotry, hatred, and disrespect.

As a nation, we’re better than that. We have hurt our fellow Native American brothers and sisters enough. It’s time we give them the respect and peace that they rightfully deserve.