“Mr. Patterson’s comments about the “blankets and corn” have affected more than just local Wayne and Oakland Counties. His comments are far-reaching to over 500 tribal nations in the U.S. Mr. Patterson stated he met with an Indian chief (interestingly enough did not indicate any specific name) that explained the significance of blankets and corn. The blankets that Mr. Patterson referred to represent mass genocide to the Indigenous people across Turtle Island a.k.a. the United States. The U.S. government distributed blankets infested with smallpox meant to eradicate a race of people that had no immunity to the smallpox disease. This atrocity killed many Indigenous people. Mr. Patterson’s refusal to acknowledge that he has offended minorities would indicate his state of being in denial. This then, further promulgates oppression which is indicative of the colonial and linear way of thinking.”
