scoresvideos
Intro to Native American Studies
Table of Contents
Unit 12 Overview: Native American Arts and Media
12.1 Traditional and contemporary Native American art forms
12.2 Native American literature and storytelling
12.3 Representation of Native Americans in mainstream media
12.4 Native-produced media and digital sovereignty

🌎intro to native american studies review

12.3 Representation of Native Americans in mainstream media

Citation:

Native Americans have long been misrepresented in mainstream media. Hollywood perpetuates harmful stereotypes, while sports teams and advertisers appropriate Indigenous cultures. These portrayals ignore the complexity and diversity of Native American experiences.

Indigenous filmmakers and actors are reshaping media narratives. They create authentic representations of Native life and advocate for accurate portrayals. Native journalists and artists use various platforms to challenge stereotypes and center Indigenous voices in the media landscape.

Stereotypes and Misrepresentation

Hollywood's Portrayal of Native Americans

  • Stereotypical depictions in films perpetuate harmful misconceptions about Native American cultures
  • "Noble savage" trope romanticizes Native Americans as primitive and close to nature (Dances with Wolves)
  • "Bloodthirsty warrior" stereotype portrays Native Americans as violent and uncivilized (The Searchers)
  • "Indian princess" archetype sexualizes and objectifies Native American women (Pocahontas)
  • Hollywood often casts non-Native actors in Native American roles, known as "redface"
  • Historical inaccuracies in films misrepresent Native American customs, languages, and tribal affiliations

Cultural Misrepresentation in Sports and Media

  • Native American mascots in sports teams perpetuate harmful stereotypes and cultural appropriation
  • Controversial team names and logos reduce complex cultures to caricatures (Washington Redskins)
  • Misuse of sacred symbols and regalia in sports merchandise trivializes Native American spirituality
  • Media often portrays Native Americans as relics of the past, ignoring contemporary issues and experiences
  • Stereotypical Halloween costumes and fashion trends appropriate and commodify Native American culture
  • Misrepresentation in advertising uses Native American imagery to sell products unrelated to Indigenous cultures

Indigenous Representation and Activism

Native American Filmmakers and Actors Reshaping Media Narratives

  • Indigenous filmmakers create authentic representations of Native American experiences and perspectives
  • Sterlin Harjo's "Reservation Dogs" showcases contemporary Native American life with humor and depth
  • Native American actors advocate for accurate portrayals and increased representation in Hollywood
  • Wes Studi becomes the first Native American actor to receive an Academy Honorary Award in 2019
  • Indigenous-led production companies focus on creating content by and for Native American audiences
  • Film festivals dedicated to Indigenous cinema provide platforms for Native American storytellers

Media Activism and Decolonization Efforts

  • Native American journalists work to increase accurate reporting on Indigenous issues in mainstream media
  • Indigenous-owned news outlets provide alternative perspectives on current events affecting Native communities
  • Social media campaigns raise awareness about cultural appropriation and misrepresentation (#NotYourMascot)
  • Native American artists use digital platforms to share traditional and contemporary Indigenous art forms
  • Decolonizing media involves challenging Eurocentric narratives and centering Indigenous voices and experiences
  • Educational initiatives promote media literacy to combat stereotypes and misconceptions about Native Americans
  • Collaborative projects between Indigenous and non-Indigenous creators foster cross-cultural understanding
  • Advocacy for increased Native American representation in writers' rooms and production teams in Hollywood

Key Terms to Review (24)

Decolonization: Decolonization refers to the process of undoing colonialism and reclaiming sovereignty, cultural identity, and self-determination by colonized peoples. It involves dismantling the political, economic, and social systems imposed by colonizers, allowing Indigenous communities to restore their traditional governance structures, languages, and cultural practices.
Indian Removal Act: The Indian Removal Act, enacted in 1830, was a U.S. law that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated 'Indian Territory' west of the Mississippi River. This act symbolizes a broader pattern of governmental policies aimed at displacing Indigenous peoples, leading to significant historical and contemporary consequences for Native American communities.
Sherman Alexie: Sherman Alexie is a contemporary Native American author, poet, and filmmaker known for his contributions to literature that address the complexities of modern Native American life. His works often highlight themes of cultural identity, resilience, and the impact of colonialism while providing sharp critiques of the representation of Native Americans in mainstream media. Through his storytelling, Alexie plays a significant role in cultural revitalization and resistance against stereotypes.
Wes Studi: Wes Studi is a celebrated Native American actor and filmmaker, known for his powerful performances and contributions to the representation of Indigenous peoples in film and television. His work has significantly influenced how Native Americans are portrayed in mainstream media, often challenging stereotypes and presenting authentic narratives. Studi's roles often highlight the cultural richness and complexity of Native American identity, making him a key figure in the conversation about representation.
Bloodthirsty warrior: The term 'bloodthirsty warrior' refers to a stereotype often used in mainstream media to depict Native American men as savage, ruthless fighters who are excessively violent and eager for bloodshed. This portrayal simplifies and distorts the complex realities of Indigenous cultures and their historical contexts, reinforcing negative stereotypes that contribute to a misinformed public perception of Native Americans.
Redface: Redface refers to the practice of non-Native individuals or groups imitating Native American culture through exaggerated or stereotypical portrayals, often for entertainment purposes. This concept is similar to blackface, where a performer adopts a racial stereotype to entertain or mock. Redface reinforces harmful stereotypes and perpetuates the marginalization of Native Americans in mainstream media, contributing to the misrepresentation of their identities and cultures.
Reservation dogs: Reservation Dogs is a groundbreaking television series that centers around the lives of four Indigenous teenagers living on a fictional reservation in Oklahoma. The show is notable for its authentic representation of Native American culture and experiences, focusing on the daily struggles, humor, and aspirations of its characters while simultaneously challenging stereotypes often seen in mainstream media.
Washington Redskins: The Washington Redskins was a professional American football team based in Washington, D.C., that played in the National Football League (NFL) from 1932 until 2019. The team's name, which has long been criticized as a racial slur against Native Americans, has sparked significant debate about the representation of Native Americans in mainstream media and sports culture, ultimately leading to its rebranding to the Washington Commanders.
Indian Princess: The term 'Indian Princess' refers to a stereotype often found in mainstream media that depicts Native American women as noble, beautiful, and exotic figures who embody purity and wisdom. This representation simplifies and romanticizes Native American cultures, reducing complex identities to a single archetype that aligns with Euro-American fantasies, ultimately influencing societal perceptions of Native Americans.
#notyourmascot: The term #notyourmascot is a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness and opposing the use of Native American imagery and mascots in sports and other forms of entertainment. This movement highlights the harmful stereotypes and cultural appropriation involved in representing Native Americans as caricatures, urging for more respectful and accurate portrayals in mainstream media.
Critical Race Theory: Critical Race Theory (CRT) is an academic framework that examines the relationship between race, law, and power, emphasizing how systemic racism and social structures perpetuate racial inequalities. It highlights the ways in which the law can uphold or challenge racial injustices, encouraging a deeper understanding of race-related issues in society. CRT also asserts that personal narratives and lived experiences of marginalized communities are crucial for understanding systemic oppression.
Media sovereignty: Media sovereignty refers to the ability of a community, particularly Indigenous peoples, to control and manage their own media and communication platforms. This concept emphasizes the importance of self-representation and the right to disseminate information that reflects their own narratives, cultures, and identities. By reclaiming media spaces, communities challenge the often negative portrayals in mainstream media and assert their agency in shaping public perceptions.
Noble savage: The term 'noble savage' refers to the idealized concept of Indigenous peoples as living in a state of natural goodness, uncorrupted by the influences of civilization. This notion suggests that these individuals embody virtues such as simplicity, innocence, and harmony with nature, standing in stark contrast to the perceived corruption and moral decline of modern society. The representation of Native Americans as noble savages in mainstream media has contributed to both romanticized portrayals and stereotypes, influencing public perceptions and attitudes towards Indigenous cultures.
The Lone Ranger: The Lone Ranger is a fictional character who emerged in American popular culture in the early 20th century, known for his iconic white hat, masked face, and commitment to justice in the Old West. As a symbol of heroism and morality, he often served to reinforce certain stereotypes about Native Americans and the frontier mythos in mainstream media, reflecting broader themes of representation and cultural narratives.
Visibility: Visibility refers to the degree to which a group, culture, or identity is recognized, represented, and acknowledged in public spaces, media, and society at large. In the context of Native Americans, visibility is crucial as it directly influences public perception, understanding, and appreciation of their cultures and histories. Increased visibility can help challenge stereotypes and promote a more nuanced representation of Native American identities in mainstream media.
Smoke Signals: Smoke signals refer to a method of communication used by various Native American tribes, where smoke is produced in specific patterns to convey messages over long distances. This traditional practice not only served as a practical means of communication but also held cultural significance, reflecting the connection between Native Americans and their environment. In the context of representation in mainstream media, smoke signals symbolize the often simplistic and stereotypical portrayal of Native American cultures as being solely reliant on ancient methods and disconnected from modern life.
Representation: Representation refers to the way individuals or groups are depicted in various forms of media, particularly focusing on how these portrayals can influence public perception and understanding. In the context of Native Americans, representation is critical as it shapes societal attitudes, reinforces stereotypes, or challenges misconceptions about Indigenous cultures and identities.
Postcolonial theory: Postcolonial theory is an intellectual framework that critically examines the cultural, political, and economic legacies of colonialism and imperialism. It seeks to understand how colonial histories continue to shape societies and identities, emphasizing the voices of those who were colonized. This theory is particularly relevant in analyzing the representation of marginalized groups, such as Native Americans, in mainstream media and exploring issues of power, identity, and resistance.
Indigenous voice: Indigenous voice refers to the perspectives, expressions, and narratives that originate from Indigenous peoples themselves. This concept emphasizes the importance of allowing Native communities to tell their own stories and represent their cultures, rather than having those stories filtered through non-Indigenous interpretations. The indigenous voice is essential for fostering understanding and respect in the representation of Native Americans, particularly in mainstream media.
Tokenism: Tokenism is the practice of making a symbolic effort to be inclusive or diverse by including a small number of representatives from marginalized groups, while failing to implement meaningful change or representation. This often leads to superficial acknowledgment without addressing the underlying issues of inequality and misrepresentation, particularly in contexts such as media and culture.
Wilma Mankiller: Wilma Mankiller was the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, serving from 1985 to 1995, and is recognized for her pioneering leadership and advocacy for Native American rights. Her tenure marked a significant transformation in the political structures of tribal governance and highlighted the importance of women's roles within Native American communities. She focused on community development, self-determination, and empowerment for Indigenous peoples, influencing social structures and representations in media as well as urban experiences for Native Americans.
Stereotyping: Stereotyping is the process of oversimplifying and generalizing traits, characteristics, or behaviors to an entire group based on limited or inaccurate information. This often leads to false perceptions and reinforces existing biases, particularly towards marginalized communities. In the context of Native Americans, stereotyping is commonly seen in mainstream media portrayals and is also a central issue in discussions about cultural appropriation and misrepresentation.
Dawes Act: The Dawes Act, enacted in 1887, was a federal law aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual plots of land and granting them U.S. citizenship. This act was part of a broader policy to dismantle tribal sovereignty, promote private land ownership, and encourage Native Americans to adopt Western agricultural practices.
Cultural Appropriation: Cultural appropriation refers to the act of taking or borrowing elements from one culture by members of another culture, often without permission and usually in a way that overlooks the original meaning or significance. This practice can lead to the commodification and misrepresentation of the original culture, and raises concerns about power dynamics, respect, and representation.