Native America in the 21st Century

After many years of forced assimilation policies, numerous broken treaties, and failed government policies, Native Americans are still fighting for respect and equal rights in the United States. American Indian reservations in the United States resemble third world countries, with high poverty rates, increasing unemployment, environmental disasters and major health problems such as diabetes and alcoholism. In addition, racism is still prevalent for Native Americans today. Reservation lands are often isolated, and present little or no opportunities, and they have poor infrastructure, inadequate housing, and the schools have lower than average educational standards. Therefore, Native Americans often must leave the reservation in search of education and better vocational opportunities if they are to succeed in mainstream society. However, in doing so, they may lose touch with their culture, their language, and their traditional way of life.

The poor conditions on the reservations may actually stand in stark contrast for those who live off the reservations, or live in larger metropolitan areas. Native Americans living off the reservation may have a better than average chance at education and job opportunities. However, almost all Native Americans still find that they are victims of ridicule as schools and professional sports teams continue to utilise Native American images, logos, and racist team mascots as their symbols.

This book investigates the social problems and the status of Native Americans in the United States in the twenty-first century. It identifies and describes the social problems faced by Native Americans today, and brings up a valuable argument: have the Native Americans really assimilated?