My father's grandmother was full-blooded Cherokee. My father is 1/4 or more Cherokee as far as we can tell. His family didn't pursue registration with BIA for some unknown reason. I was raised with 'the world owes you nothing' attitude. I've been working since I was 11 and have been an elementary teacher for 31 years. My students have heard about taking pride in their roots but not at the expense of personal responsibility. How many generations will blame their failures on a 'white biased society'? That is a philosophy that is self-degrading and defeats personal striving and achievement. The elders who teach personal responsibility, work ethics that are focused on working, caring for one's family and community are more successful in life. My college age son did not qualify for any of the 'ethnic scholarships' offered to his peers even though he excelled in academics, club leadership, and athletics. He saw classmates receive full-ride scholarships based on ethnicity not merit. Fair?