I believe the preferred interpretation would be that the Native American gentleman snapped under the combined weight of historical oppression and lack of access to social-services. (Though he could well be "in a bar" for reasons unrelated to any alcohol dependency, to be sure. Tricky ground.)

That's what I meant (as far as how they feel about it). Some sociologists agree with them. Quite a few don't. I personally think it looks like they are attempting to justify behavior that they wouldn't otherwise find acceptable.

She can call it "not racist" because some hack whose textbook she read redefined the word. Changing the definition of words or phrases is a common tactic around here, almost as common as trying to shame people to silence due to an overabundance of privilegee.