Without rules - I became entranced in the jungle, pure nature surrounding me from hedgehogs to beaches to islanders. These experiences were the norm on my trip to Sapelo island this summer, a five day camping trip on an angelic, uninhabited land where throughout my discussions including none but my brothers, sister, parents, baby niece, and dog. You would see a Bentley on the island before you saw cell-phone service; they actually can ship cars on the 2-hour ferry ride off the coast of Georgia. Across the island stay the descendants of slaves, natives for 2 decades and self-proclaimed "Gullahs", a unique culture amassing to a population of 70 on the lands they have adamantly guarded from cultural erosion.
Unfortunately, the government, specifically McIntosh County, may have finally struck down the islander's wall of passion. Taxation is a double edged sword, one that has supported the Gullah culture in compensation for Georgia's historical tyranny, damaging their society during early America. On the other side of that blade are the new taxation policies that have raised one residents property taxes by 540%, more money then they are given by the state. Natives have identified the increased taxes as an attempt to remove the saltwater Geechees. There are even recent cases of racism by officials on the island, the government may arguably be acting uncivilized and sick.
However, this raises a controversial question. After an extended time period, should the government still support cultures they have previously stolen from and offended? My feelings vary on the case - however in Sapelo island I strongly believe so. The island isn't necessary for the state's economy or wellbeing, and the culture is one unique from our lifestyle. There's no reason McIntosh County should want to destroy a site for marine biology research, camping, cultural knowledge, and a unique perspective non-western lifestyles. Shamelessly, the chief tax proposer and legal officials would not comment on the acts.
Representative of previous racial land disputes, Sapelo Island a local way to relate to the historical disputes between the government and Native Americans. Considering these issues is one of the best ways to prevent ignorance, for one may acquire empathy and not repeat previous mistakes. This may or may not escalate, but controversy is always nurturing for social change.
Source - http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/26/us/on-an-island-in-georgia-geechees-fear-losing-land.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Unfortunately, the government, specifically McIntosh County, may have finally struck down the islander's wall of passion. Taxation is a double edged sword, one that has supported the Gullah culture in compensation for Georgia's historical tyranny, damaging their society during early America. On the other side of that blade are the new taxation policies that have raised one residents property taxes by 540%, more money then they are given by the state. Natives have identified the increased taxes as an attempt to remove the saltwater Geechees. There are even recent cases of racism by officials on the island, the government may arguably be acting uncivilized and sick.
However, this raises a controversial question. After an extended time period, should the government still support cultures they have previously stolen from and offended? My feelings vary on the case - however in Sapelo island I strongly believe so. The island isn't necessary for the state's economy or wellbeing, and the culture is one unique from our lifestyle. There's no reason McIntosh County should want to destroy a site for marine biology research, camping, cultural knowledge, and a unique perspective non-western lifestyles. Shamelessly, the chief tax proposer and legal officials would not comment on the acts.
Representative of previous racial land disputes, Sapelo Island a local way to relate to the historical disputes between the government and Native Americans. Considering these issues is one of the best ways to prevent ignorance, for one may acquire empathy and not repeat previous mistakes. This may or may not escalate, but controversy is always nurturing for social change.
Source - http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/26/us/on-an-island-in-georgia-geechees-fear-losing-land.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
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