One of the values many Americans hold dear is directness, assertiveness, and straight-forwardness. Did you know that this may be misconstrued or misunderstood by Native cultures?
In our culture it is considered to be so rude to point, that we actually have a different non-verbal cue when ‘pointing out’ something or somebody. It involves the slightest nod of the head in the appropriate direction, along with an ever-so-subtle puckering of the lips.
We bet you didn’t know! It’s something to think about. As Americans, is it possible that we might be so direct that we might inadvertently be offending the sensibilities of our Native cultures?
Chief Robert and Terri Lynn TallTree
www.thetalltrees.com
“Teach us love, compassion and honor…that we may heal the Earth, and heal each other.” – Ojibwe prayer
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