Cowboys & Indians - Traditions & Tensions at Oregon Rodeo

[Eric James]

From the Pendleton Journal of Pendleton, Oregon, via the New York Times, comes this modern day story of an Old West hangover. Indians are still treated as a sub class. As said then, and as stated now, "This concludes the Indian portion of our show."

[Stan H]

I can recall from my "cowboying days" back in the late 50's and early 60's the situation was even worse. One time we hauled stock to Pendleton (in 1959). Once we got there, we were allowed to hang out by the yards and got to watch the show from there. There were a lot of nasty comments from many of the "cowboys" about the Indians being allowed to watch for free from their stands.

I have witnessed this racism all my life, and even more so in the past 38 years I have been married to my lovely Dene' wife. I don't think it will ever go away. It is still very strong here in the Dakotas.

[michael murphy(Tom Ketchum)]

I know I am from England but in todays society we should not have this type of racism if people could just remember we all have one heart , and it does not matter what colour their skin is if its different to yours they are not alliens, but human, so please treat others as you would expect to be treated yourself.