Indian Myth vs Reality
Now close your eyes and note what comes to mind when you hear the words "American Indian".
The dominant images most people see are feathers, war paint, bows and arrows, buffalos, horses, teepees, beads, animal skins, and warfare. These images are a manifestation of cultural programming by adventure movies, books, photographs, museum exhibition, films, television shows and documentaires.
Common Stereotypes :
- Chief : The head of a tribe
- Brave : An Indian man
- Princess : The Daughter of a chief
- Squaw : All other Indian women
- Savage : All Indians
- Renegade : Indians who refuse to be confined on a reservation and are at war with Whites
- The Nobble Savage : Indians who are close to Nature
Some Stereotypes can be taken as racist word because it generalizes all Indians. Or it confuse Indians with others and maybe some Indians release a bad image so it can be hurtful for them.
The reality about Stereotypes :
Chief
It was a name White's gave to Indian leaders.
Princess
The Princess stereotype was created to legitimize female Native Americans as potential males for Whites
Noble Savage
A primitive man living in harmony with the nature
Renegade
Renegade refuse to live in the reservation and are at war with Whites
Warrior / Brave
Indians Braves are the adult males who have proven their courage in hunting or in battle.
Squaw
The Indian Squaw is quiet and almost invisible as she serves her husband