"american indians wiped out = genocide"
Jay, I know you're being tag teamed here, but I couldn't let this one go.
The majority of Natives died to smallpox, which they had no immunity, and which was brought with but mostly without intent, from settlers, French, Spanish, English. Very true that many obligations and treaties were broken, very true that many tribes were forcibly relocated under the banner of "manifest destiny". Also true that many settlers/invaders were killed, women taken away by Native Americans who were defending what they considered their land. And so the beginnings of some American myths, for example, heroic western independence, start here, with a mixed bag of failures.
However, genocide, no. wiped out, yes and no. I live in the middle on tribal lands among natives who live on their ancestral lands, speak their original language, and who number 750,000. They have their own separate government (akin to Tibet's supposed autonomous rule?).
In some ways, China history now appears similar to US history about 100 years ago. It was not too long ago in the US when child labor was employed, worker conditions were abysmal, and the common man was exploited, exposed to lead, radiation, toxins (some known to be toxic, some not).
We would do best not to judge either way, but discuss mistakes and success' openly.
As to toy lead paint, I agree, Mattel should shoulder the majority of responsibility. But the problem will be solved at the other end I suspect. Given enough freedom I'm sure that workers, like they did in the US, will rise up and demand improved conditions and refuse to be exposed to hazards. |
