I understand the ideas that underlie the concept of ‘rights’; at the same time, this seems to me a problem where something that was previously natural and intuitive, grounded in place and relation, time and activity… underwent frame-collapse. The result was an array of structured fictions intended to serve ‘in place of’ what would otherwise be relatively natural and human.

By the time we have to have ‘rights’, something has gone terribly wrong in our cultures, societies and thought. Moreover, the only ‘rights’ we actually have are those we can afford to defend… often at incredible cost… for outcomes that are less than desirable when they are not openly catastrophic.

“I struggle with the word “birthright”.

It sounds so…..deserving…..based on something proprietary. It sounds like wills and property and disconnect which doesn’t resonate with my ethics or understanding of what it means to Belong.

I know many people use this word to refer to culture (ie: learning your culture is your birthright) – but as a well assimilated cultural orphan – where does entitlement start and end? I come from *so many* people – what *exactly* is my entitlement to know, practice, relate, and assume identity based on how and where I exist today?

I don’t feel that learning my cultures from prior to the exodus of the Huguenots is my “birthright” (I come from Huguenots) anymore than I feel that learning Wendat traditions is my birthright based on marriages in the 1700s.

I would never identify as “French” based on ancestors from the 1600s, as I wouldn’t identify as modern day Mi’kmaq based on the same. It is my teachings to carry that you do not claim people who do not claim you – and the majority of the people I come from have no idea I exist.

I am the definition and consequence of diaspora and genocide over and over and over again.

Oppressed and oppressor – based on era and landmass.
At what point does exercising my “birthright” become acquisition instead of embodiment? What is the swirling consequence of the past and present – and denying and accepting parts of it – in the interests of purity?

I just don’t like this word – it doesn’t encompass “belonging” to me, and I think can run the risk of nostalgia – which is no place to rest.

Curious about other thoughts.

*ultimately – I think we need to think about our Selves and our Identities much less. Monetize it all less, objectify it less. Culture has become synonymous with money making commodities. Selling your Self has consequence. Some of the best advice I’ve ever received from an elder: stop thinking about You. Just be who you are” ‍♀️*”

— an anonymous informant (kr)