Antidote to Colonialism

"A Model Of The Effects Of Colonialism, 2003" by my professor Dr. Michael Yellow Bird is a holistic model that oulines several areas of concern including; economic, psychological, spiritual, intellectual, physical, political and social aspects of colonialism and provides specific examples of these area's of concern. Then in reference to each area, he provides the "colonized adaptation" and the"antidote to colonialism."

At this point in my education I have a fair understanding of the significance of colonialism and it's pervasive oppression, yet I don't understand as well, how to work towards change. At this point in my education I'm interested in understanding how I can make a difference, rather than feeling helpless and hopeless that the effects of colonialism will prevail no matter what. For example, the antidote for the economic effects of colonialism is; "a critical examination of the effect of capitalism. Modified socialistic system. Critical examination of sustainable development models, employment skill variety. Recalculation of bottom line and poverty. "

I may be thought as a radical, yet really this just makes sense to me. For instance the more recent welfare program TANF really does nothing to help people out of poverty rather it continues to hold them there. If you have any understanding of how it costs more to be poor, and how the system does not provide a way for enough education to get out of poverty then you have some understanding of how the system is really just a bogus effort to keep the status quo and not designed to help people. The current amount that the Federal government spends on the "welfare system" is a drop in the bucket when considering federal budgets. Something that many don't understand.

If the government were to stop providing loop holes to big companies who don't need financial help, we would have more than enough federal dollars to provide support around education for those who do want to rise above poverty. I hold a belief in the capability and integrity of people when and if provided opportunites vs the belief that poor people are inherently bad apples.--It is the latter belief that inspired the current welfare system and which continues to demoralize, oppress, and maintain poverty. Statiscally it is commonly understood that minorities over- represent in poverty which is directly related to the effects of colonialism. This is not hard to see with a little education.

Too many times I feel incomplete and frustrated when I learn about something that is quite destructive, pervasive, and oppressive, without a piece that also outlines how change/progress can be made, otherwise my sense of helplessness becomes overwhelming.

So much about the structures of society continue to be led by the few greedy through propaganda while the masses are frustrated, confused and taught to be helpless. It's time we empower each other to fight oppression and be agents of change. One way is to educate. Through education and working together we can provide the path to empowerment and change for the better. So thank-you Michael for including the "Antidote to Colonialism" in your model.

I believe that most individuals are not evil people who sit around to specifically hurt groups of people, rather the system is set up to be evil (destructive and oppressive) and most individuals are just ponds caught playing out the evil structure--And ignorance of many and the actions of the few greedy who use propaganda to confuse people and to maintain the status quo.

To change the effects of colonialism we have to change the structures of society. Even though the colonial period seems long ago, because our main structures of society were made at that time, it makes perfect sense that the effects are still very present and pervasive today. It's time for a change. Most young people I have met over the last few years want social justice and they're tired of American colonial systems, no matter the color of thier skin.