304 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Bull. 196 



too." Others suggest that pubUc assistance is a factor in the ille- 

 gitimacy rate, since many unwed mothers qualify for aid to dependent 

 children under the Social Security Act. 



The subject of land allotment is a tense one, and is frequently 

 discussed by these people. They are not all in favor of it, despite 

 their critical attitude toward the Government and toward the Con- 

 servatives. Those who favor land allotment do so for several reasons. 

 One person claimed that allotment would be a good thing, "So that 

 they [Conservatives] would get off their butts and do something to 

 support themselves." Another man argues for it for the "sake of the 

 fuUbloods" and because he feels he is being restricted by present 

 business regulations. "The way things are now, it holds us back." 



Those who are not in favor of land allotment feel that it would 

 cause a great deal of heartache and acrimony. "How is the land to be 

 divided? Will people keep the land to which they now have posses- 

 sory rights? If so, what about the people, and there are some, who 

 don't own any land?" One businessman said, "Of course, I would 

 benefit personally from it. I'd be able to get a large amount of capital 

 to improve my business. But truthfully, the bulk of the people just 

 aren't ready for it. Some couldn't even pay their taxes if they owned 

 it." A count of 10 Middle Class informants, well known to the 

 writer, disclosed 5 who were adamant in their demand for allotment 

 and 5 who felt they personally would profit by it but beheved it would 

 be a mistake for the reservation at the present time. 



Rural Whites and Generalized Indians.- — As individual autonomy and 

 underemphasis of self is the nucleus of the Harmony Ethic, ^^ so rugged 

 individualism is the heart of the Protestant Ethic. It is appropriate 

 to examine Rural Whites and Generalized Indians in terms of this 

 dimension of self-reliance. They present an extremely complex and 

 confused picture. For example, Riu-al Whites in no way guide their 

 activities by any aspect of the Conservative value system. As was 

 pointed out, they are generous to individuals and helpful within their 

 abilities to be so. But some of them have worked hard all their lives, 

 and are still recipients of public assistance. One hard-working Rural 

 White wife admits that she does not know what her family would do 

 without assistance. Her husband seems to feel no embarrassment about 

 receiving help. Another Rural White, who aids others when he can, is, 

 however, extremely critical of those who receive financial support 

 through public assistance, or from the special welfare service of the 

 Bureau of Indian Affairs. "I've been working for 50 years, the lean 

 and the fat ones. I could go out and get a job right now if need be." 

 The Rural Whites tend to agree with the "moderates" of the Middle 



w For a good explanation of this apparently paradoxical position, see Qullck, 1960, pp. 141-142. 



