Stereotypes of Native Americans
I was particularly interested in the information provided by
the American Philosophical Society site on Native American Images and
Stereotypes. Images have played a large
role in spreading incorrect or exaggerated ideas about Native peoples. Portraits
of Indigenous people paved way for non-natives to falsely identify them as
‘inferior’, ‘superstitious’ and ‘uncivilized’ peoples. During the 1800’s, the
intense century long conflict between natives and non-natives allowed the depiction
of native warriors (those who fought for their land and rights) to be portrayed
as ‘bloodthirsty savages’. In the 1800s and early 1900s, many
scientists tried to prove that whites were a superior “race” by measuring,
recording, and comparing the physical features of people from different ethnic
groups. In actuality Native Americans were far more civilized than given
credit for; having their own form of government and full knowledge of how to
cultivate the land.
Native stereotypes are prevalent still; some natives have
been able to manipulate stereotypes by what the APS refer to as ‘chiefing’.
This is more of a performance for non-natives, what they expect to see when
they think of Indians. Dressing in full garb; headdress, deerskin regalia, with
bow and arrow.
Being a Native American and living on a reservation I have
experienced stereotypes on a lesser scale. I was once asked if I lived in a
teepee (yes, that was an actual question I was asked). It wasn’t too long ago
either, which was the sad part. I have to attribute this to the lack of Native
American history in our education system.
Online Resources:
Raeann,
ReplyDeleteIt's incredibly sad that stereotypes still exsist regarding Native Americans today. It seems as if the stereotypes have even evolved, the most recent ones being that "All Indians are alcoholics", or "lazy", or "casino owners". To me, it seems that the Natives can't catch a break.
Great post!
I couldn't see the jpeg can others?
ReplyDeleteSorry about the image, it's of a group of grass dancers from our annual powwow (held in Akwesasne). I wanted to show the visual, as I think its indicative of how non-natives think of Indians. To me, it is very beautiful to see the regalia and the singing/dancing. This still represents a celebration of culture and fortune.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your amazement at being asked if you lived in.a teepee. I have been asked twice if I grew up in an igloo because I am Canadian. I also remember once when I was maybe 8 or 9 overhearing an irate American in the grocery store in Montreal complaining to his wife that there was no snow for the family ski vacation and that Canada had been falsely advertising winter conditions. It was summer!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother comment on this subject, my children have all gone through public school in New York State and have had almost no education on Native Americans. Luckily we live near the state museum and have seen the exhibit on the Iroquois when visiting the museum but that is all. When it is such a huge part of this nations history why are our children not more educated on the subject?
ReplyDelete