While I am very hesitant to paint any racial or ethnic group with a broad brush of distain...there are many anomalies present in today's culture.
I have 3 reservations in my county.. all of the Seneca tribe of the Iroquois confederacy. They have a proud past, being the "keepers of the western door", which was their assignment within the Iroquois nations.
Just as the Comanche have been considered some of the world's best light cavalry, bar none..the Senecas have been held by many historians as the best hand-to-hand woodland warriors..of all the tribes.
Today my heart breaks, as I drive through the reservations, and I see, it seems.. marijuana "dispensaries", selling their wares at nearly every other house.
...And of course, they also deal in liquors and gambling casinos.. Perhaps it is just me, but I hate to see a once proud "warrior nation" reduced to these options.
Other observations;
At the discount gas stations and other businesses on the res, such as Burger King, Dollar General or other businesses, it seems few natives are employed. Most of the
employees are off res whites.
I assume because they get paid plenty..from casino receipts and government checks etc.
I know that many whites work the casino, but I don't stop by there, so I am not able to guess a percentage.
Consider too, not all native Americans by birth, live on the reservation..many choose to live among the general population, and make their way..just as anyone else.
Personally, I think it would have been better for all sides, if the tribes were absorbed into the general population of the U.S., and given much time and resources to assimilate.
However, a deal was struck and signed. I stick to any pledge i make, and expect my country to do the same . The only exception being, if both sides agree.