Gracism or Post-Racial Society?

Jan 18, 2009 | Archives, Blog

On the eve of Barack Obama’s inauguration, many people across the land are openly excited.

Others may be openly antagonistic.

And still others may exhibit what I call gracism.

Over the years, it has become less politically correct for people to be openly racist (although American Indians still suffer from open racism.) As a result, racism has gone underground—and people are graceful and pleasant to one’s face, while continuing to hold onto their racist attitudes and behaviors behind one’s back. Hence, I coined the term gracist.

As we head to an era in which the country claims it is ready to embrace its plurality and diversity, I hope that we will see not only the end of racism, but also the end of gracism. This means allowing people to follow their own roads, acknowledging that there are many cultures and many ways of knowing, and that those ways are not less important than the dominant culture. This means fully embracing inclusivity while allowing people to pursue their separateness, and for Indian people, this means allowing people to continue pursuing their Indian culture and identity.

One way that Indian people have been pursuing their culture and identity is through the tribal college movement. Yet tribal colleges are the most underfunded education institutions in the country. Despite federal funding appropriations plans, tribal colleges are still 30% underfunded by Congress, showing there is not a commitment to Indian education in our society.

The American Indian College Fund’s mission is to support both the tribal colleges and provide American Indian students with scholarships. But the need is great in Indian Country, and many institutions and students still struggle.

On the eve of Obama’s inauguration, I hope that as America tries to move forward to a post-racial society, that gracism disappears, and Americans of all backgrounds support every American’s right to pursue an education—and that our legislators and the taxpayers support all kinds of education, including tribal colleges and the students they serve.

Recent Blog Posts

Honoring the Legacy of Ron His Horse Is Thunder: Champion of Tribal Sovereignty and Higher Education

Honoring the Legacy of Ron His Horse Is Thunder: Champion of Tribal Sovereignty and Higher Education

The American Indian College Fund mourns the passing of Ron His Horse Is Thunder (Hunkpapa-Lakota Oyate), a tireless advocate for tribal sovereignty and education. As a leader of Sitting Bull College, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and national higher education initiatives, he dedicated his life to empowering Native communities. His enduring legacy continues to inspire.

TCU Set Stage for Student’s Success at University of Michigan

TCU Set Stage for Student’s Success at University of Michigan

Jasmine Neosh, a dual-degree law and environmental studies student, reflects on how her education at the College of Menominee Nation prepared her to excel at a top-tier law school, equipping her with confidence, critical thinking skills, and a strong cultural foundation. Her experience at a Tribal College not only gave her technical and leadership abilities but also a deep sense of identity and purpose, allowing her to navigate elite academic spaces while staying true to her roots.

Fake News Awareness 

Fake News Awareness 

Misinformation is everywhere, but having the right tools helps us protect our narratives and ensure our communities get the truth. Always question, always verify, and always seek sources that respect our voices.