Lecture Notes: Imagery and Stereotypes of American Indians

Introduction

• Topic: Imagery and stereotypes of American Indians in American culture.
• Key Terms:
  • Romantic and fictional portrayals: "Americana" Indians.
  • Real vs. Imagined: Distinct from actual Native Nations.

Importance of the Topic

• Speaker's Background:
  • Speaker is American Indian, specifically Chiricahua Apaches.
  • Tribes known by leaders like Geronimo and Cochise.
• Common Stereotypes: Includes images like Indian Warrior, Indian Princess, Indian Squaw, and Indian Giver.
• Misconceptions: Prevalence of stereotypical images that do not reflect reality.

Diversity of American Indians

• Statistics:
  • 4.1 million American Indians in the US.
  • Significant urban population: 100,000 in NYC, 33,000 in Albuquerque.
• Diversity: No singular way to "look" or "act" Indian; diversity across 562 Sovereign Nations.

Cultural Appropriation

• Observation: Youth culture appropriates American Indian images during Halloween, sports events, concerts.
• Comparison: Discontinued appropriations of other ethnic images like Aunt Jemima, yet continued with Indian imagery.

Media Representation

• Internet Search Results:
  • Stereotypical results for "American Indian Girl".
  • Contrast with positive images for other ethnic groups.
• Impact on Native Women:
  • High rates of sexual and physical abuse.
  • One in three Native women will experience rape.
  • Sexualization in media contributes to harmful stereotypes.

Historical Context

• US Government Actions: War on Native women's bodies historically (military rape, boarding school abuse, forced sterilization).
• Contemporary Examples:
  • Misuse of sacred symbols (e.g., feathered headdress) by companies like Paul Frank, No Doubt, Victoria's Secret.
  • Backlash from Native advocates.

Importance of Awareness and Education

• Call to Action:
  • Parents to teach respect for differences.
  • Encourage conversations around stereotypes and cultural sensitivity.
  • Consumers to support Native products and reject derogatory items.
• Campaigns:
  • "A mind is a terrible thing to waste" vs. "Think Indian".

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts:
  • Request for awareness: "Think Indian".
  • Consider Native perspectives and have informed conversations.
  • Appeal to educate and challenge stereotypes.

Applause