[The is] a mistaken belief that [the word Indian] refers somehow to the country, India. When Columbus washed up on the beach in the Caribbean, he was not looking for a country called India. Europeans were calling that country Hindustan in 1492.... Columbus called the tribal people he met "Indio," from the Italian in dio, meaning "in God."
Russell MeansImagine going to the holy land in Israel, whether you're a Christian or a Jew or a Muslim, and start carving up the mountain of Zion. It's an insult to our entire being. It's bad enough getting four white faces carved in up there [on Mount Rushmore], the shrine of hypocrisy.
Russell MeansI don't want to be remembered as an activist; I want to be remembered as an American Indian patriot.
Russell MeansI've always thought it was arrogant to write about yourself, particularly when you're still alive.
Russell MeansWhen a woman grabs my braids and says "How cute!" I crab her breast and say "How cute!" She never touches me again!
Russell MeansAn oral society develops both sides of your brain, and the utilization of your brain is more complete than in a linear education module. The written word limits your brain capability by immediately focusing on one area. You don't have any peripheral vision. It immediately divorces you from the environment.
Russell Means