RESPECT.

Looking at myspace, I saw some images that disturbed me.

I think that I maybe more old skool in my thinking than most, or even more so than I think I am.

Tonite, I saw images that I believe should not be posted for the internet world reality to see.

No,they were not porno shots, or pictures of anything bloody or sick. They were images of my people's ways that are meant to be sacred and kept without the lens from a camera.

I understand and acknowledge that there are images in books, maybe even in movies, and certainly on the internet of my people's traditions, but in my thinking, we as a people should not use these images as a means of "showing off' who and what we are.

I do not know if this was the intention behind the image(s), but it is my belief that if you know of yourself and your place in this world, regarding who and what you are, then you are taught and learn that there are certain things that one does not "show off" or "show out" about, these things are not meant to validate yourself, they are meant to be show respect. Period.

To be from the great people who I am descended from, I am humble in who I am with regards to both my great tribes.

I do not have to, nor was I taught, that to be who I am, I have to show it to others, I am who I am because that is the way it is.

Maybe I am not making any sense, but to me, my culture is not a thing to "show off" to others. I know there are certain things we do and don't do because of respect for what they represent. WE SHOW RESPECT.

This I promise I will teach and drum into my Son.

Too bad more of us can't or won't do the same.