native american stereotypes and realities introduction to native american cultures religious studies...

Native AmericanNative AmericanStereotypes and Stereotypes and

RealitiesRealitiesIntroduction to Native Introduction to Native

American CulturesAmerican Cultures

Religious Studies 283 AReligious Studies 283 A

Stereotype and RealityStereotype and Reality

Indians are all alike.Indians are all alike. In American alone, there are In American alone, there are

approximately 2,752,158 Indians, approximately 2,752,158 Indians, belonging to 562 culturally distinct belonging to 562 culturally distinct federally recognized tribes or additional federally recognized tribes or additional 200 or so unrecognized tribes. They live 200 or so unrecognized tribes. They live in a variety of environments, either on in a variety of environments, either on 286 US reservations, or off reservation 286 US reservations, or off reservation in rural areas or cities. in rural areas or cities.

2000 U.S. Census Report2000 U.S. Census Report


Indians were conquered because Indians were conquered because they were inferior.they were inferior.

Indians were conquered because of Indians were conquered because of their lack of immunity to European their lack of immunity to European diseases as well as other factors—diseases as well as other factors—none of which reflected cultural or none of which reflected cultural or genetic inferiority.genetic inferiority.


If Indians had united, they could If Indians had united, they could have prevented the European have prevented the European invasion.invasion.

Tribes were too different culturally and Tribes were too different culturally and lived too far apart to fight together as a lived too far apart to fight together as a cohesive unit. Further, there was no cohesive unit. Further, there was no singular event known as the “European singular event known as the “European Invasion.” European migration Invasion.” European migration occurred over a period of 500 years (and occurred over a period of 500 years (and counting)counting)


Indians had no civilization until Indians had no civilization until Europeans brought it to them.Europeans brought it to them.

Indians were civilized. Their cultures Indians were civilized. Their cultures were different from those of were different from those of Europeans—and in some ways more Europeans—and in some ways more advanced (e.g.; agriculture, advanced (e.g.; agriculture, medicine, architecture)medicine, architecture)


Indians arrived in this hemisphere Indians arrived in this hemisphere via the Siberian Land Bridge.via the Siberian Land Bridge.

Indians believe that they were created Indians believe that they were created in this hemisphere. “Siberian Land in this hemisphere. “Siberian Land Bridge” myth viewed as a racist Anglo-Bridge” myth viewed as a racist Anglo-European construction to impose European construction to impose Asian stereotypes on Native persons Asian stereotypes on Native persons and to dismiss cosmological myth of and to dismiss cosmological myth of Native communities as mere fictions.Native communities as mere fictions.


Indians were warlike and Indians were warlike and treacherous.treacherous.

Indians fought to defend their lands, Indians fought to defend their lands, sovereignty and way of life from sovereignty and way of life from invaders, both domestic and invaders, both domestic and international. In this regard, one would international. In this regard, one would be hard pressed to describe Native be hard pressed to describe Native Americans as either more or less violent Americans as either more or less violent than other human collectivities.than other human collectivities.

Stereotype and RealityStereotype and Reality Indians had nothing to contribute to Indians had nothing to contribute to

Europeans or to the growth of Europeans or to the growth of America.America.

The contributions of American Indians The contributions of American Indians have changed and enriched the world. have changed and enriched the world. 15% of the “first settlers” from Spain, 15% of the “first settlers” from Spain, France and England actually became France and England actually became part of native communities. Further, the part of native communities. Further, the “new settlers” would have probably died “new settlers” would have probably died the first winter without assistance from the first winter without assistance from Natives.Natives.


Indians did not value or empower Indians did not value or empower women.women.

Indian women often wielded Indian women often wielded considerable power within their considerable power within their tribes. (Gender and sexuality often tribes. (Gender and sexuality often viewed differently than Anglo-viewed differently than Anglo-Europeans; often based on Europeans; often based on something other than something other than productive/reproductive roles)productive/reproductive roles)


lndians have no religion.lndians have no religion. Indians are deeply religious. Each tribe Indians are deeply religious. Each tribe

has its own religion. There is not such has its own religion. There is not such thing as the “Native American thing as the “Native American Religion.” Again, a destructive Religion.” Again, a destructive stereotype promoted by oftentimes well-stereotype promoted by oftentimes well-meaning Anglos who wish to legitimize meaning Anglos who wish to legitimize their own ecological and political their own ecological and political positions at the expense of other human positions at the expense of other human beings.beings.


Indians welcome outsiders to study Indians welcome outsiders to study and participate in their religious and participate in their religious ceremonies.ceremonies.

Indians often practice their religions Indians often practice their religions secretly and want outsiders to respect secretly and want outsiders to respect their desire for privacy. What possible their desire for privacy. What possible motivation would indigenous persons have motivation would indigenous persons have to “share” with an outsider? Most persons to “share” with an outsider? Most persons who proclaim such “adoption” narratives, who proclaim such “adoption” narratives, sadly, fabricate their experiences.sadly, fabricate their experiences.

Stereotype and RealityStereotype and Reality Indians are a vanished raceIndians are a vanished race.. Again, another racist myth generated in Again, another racist myth generated in

the early 19th century: Native the early 19th century: Native Americans began to “vanish” because of Americans began to “vanish” because of their evolutionary inferiority to the their evolutionary inferiority to the “White Man.” Could it have anything to “White Man.” Could it have anything to do with massive genocide? Currently, do with massive genocide? Currently, there are 2.7 million United States there are 2.7 million United States Indians today, representing more than Indians today, representing more than 562 federally recognized tribes and over 562 federally recognized tribes and over 200 non-recognized traditions.200 non-recognized traditions.


Indians are confined to reservations, Indians are confined to reservations, live in tipis, wear braids, and ride live in tipis, wear braids, and ride horses.horses.

A handful may live in tipis for part of the A handful may live in tipis for part of the year because they want to, but tipis are not year because they want to, but tipis are not the norm. The Native American Church use the norm. The Native American Church use tipis for religious ceremonies. And while tipis for religious ceremonies. And while some Indians do use horses to herd cattle some Indians do use horses to herd cattle and sheep, or ride for recreation, most and sheep, or ride for recreation, most Indians do not own horses. Indians do not own horses.

Stereotype and RealityStereotype and Reality Indians are confined to reservations, Indians are confined to reservations,

live in tipis, wear braids, and ride live in tipis, wear braids, and ride horses.horses.

There are approximately 950,000 Indians There are approximately 950,000 Indians and non-Indians living on 286 reservations. and non-Indians living on 286 reservations. A good number of Indians, at least one A good number of Indians, at least one million, do not live on a reservation and million, do not live on a reservation and never have.never have.Today, some individuals on reservations Today, some individuals on reservations live in houses of different sizes with all the live in houses of different sizes with all the amenities of modern living while others live amenities of modern living while others live in poverty. in poverty.


Indians have no reason to be Indians have no reason to be unpatriotic.unpatriotic.

Most American patriotism is the Most American patriotism is the celebration of Euro-American history celebration of Euro-American history and interest. Euro Americans' and interest. Euro Americans' behavior and policies towards behavior and policies towards Indians have been brutal throughout Indians have been brutal throughout American history. American history.

Stereotype and RealityStereotype and Reality Indians have no reason to be unpatriotic.Indians have no reason to be unpatriotic. This said, Native Americans have fought in This said, Native Americans have fought in

every Anglo-American since the American every Anglo-American since the American Revolutionary War. More than 12,000 American Revolutionary War. More than 12,000 American Indians served in the United States military in Indians served in the United States military in World War I. More than 44,000 American World War I. More than 44,000 American Indians served with distinction between 1941 Indians served with distinction between 1941 and 1945 in both European and Pacific theaters and 1945 in both European and Pacific theaters of war while 4,000 served in Desert Storm. One of war while 4,000 served in Desert Storm. One in four Indian males are veterans.in four Indian males are veterans.

Stereotype and RealityStereotype and Reality Indians get a free ride from the Indians get a free ride from the

government.government. The benefits Indians receive from the The benefits Indians receive from the

government derive from treaty government derive from treaty agreements, which purport to agreements, which purport to compensate them for the surrender of compensate them for the surrender of some or all of their lands. An some or all of their lands. An examination of these documents—and examination of these documents—and the United States’ lack of adherence to the United States’ lack of adherence to many of these treaties—stands as a many of these treaties—stands as a major area of contention.major area of contention.

Stereotype and RealityStereotype and Reality Indians' affairs are managed for Indians' affairs are managed for

them by the B.I.A. (Bureau of Indian them by the B.I.A. (Bureau of Indian Affairs)Affairs)

Each tribe has its own governmental Each tribe has its own governmental structure possessing a variety of self-structure possessing a variety of self-governing powers. The Bureau of Indian governing powers. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) responsibility is the Affairs (BIA) responsibility is the administration and management of 55.7 administration and management of 55.7 million acres of land held in trust by the million acres of land held in trust by the United States for American Indians, United States for American Indians, Indian tribes, and Alaska Natives. Indian tribes, and Alaska Natives.

Stereotype and RealityStereotype and Reality Indians' affairs are managed for them by Indians' affairs are managed for them by

the B.I.A. (Bureau of Indian Affairs)the B.I.A. (Bureau of Indian Affairs) There are 562 federal recognized tribal There are 562 federal recognized tribal

governments in the United States. Developing governments in the United States. Developing forestlands, leasing assets on these lands, forestlands, leasing assets on these lands, directing agricultural programs, protecting directing agricultural programs, protecting water and land rights, developing and water and land rights, developing and maintaining infrastructure and economic maintaining infrastructure and economic development are all part of the agency's development are all part of the agency's responsibility. In addition, the Bureau of Indian responsibility. In addition, the Bureau of Indian Affairs provides education services to Affairs provides education services to approximately 48,000 Indian students.approximately 48,000 Indian students.


Indians are not capable of Indians are not capable of completing school.completing school.

Hundreds of Indians graduate from Hundreds of Indians graduate from universities every year. universities every year.

Stereotype and RealityStereotype and Reality Indians cannot vote or hold office.Indians cannot vote or hold office. Indians represent a powerful voting bloc in Indians represent a powerful voting bloc in

elections; numerous Indians hold tribal, state elections; numerous Indians hold tribal, state and national offices. The Native electorate and national offices. The Native electorate rises above 5% in Districts 1 and 7 in Nevada; rises above 5% in Districts 1 and 7 in Nevada; Districts 1,2, and 3 in New Mexico; Districts 2, Districts 1,2, and 3 in New Mexico; Districts 2, 3, and 4 in Oklahoma; and in the At Large 3, and 4 in Oklahoma; and in the At Large Districts in South Dakota, Montana, North Districts in South Dakota, Montana, North Dakota and Alaska. In selected districts, Dakota and Alaska. In selected districts, eligible American Indian voters account for eligible American Indian voters account for more than 20% of the voting population, more than 20% of the voting population, making them a valuable asset as a voting bloc making them a valuable asset as a voting bloc to politicians in the area. to politicians in the area.


Indians have a tendency toward Indians have a tendency toward alcoholism.alcoholism.

Indians are no more predisposed to Indians are no more predisposed to alcoholism than members of any alcoholism than members of any other ethnic group. Alcoholic other ethnic group. Alcoholic consumption may have a greater consumption may have a greater positive correlation to joblessness, positive correlation to joblessness, poverty and poor living conditions poverty and poor living conditions than ethnicity.than ethnicity.


"My great grandmother was a "My great grandmother was a Cherokee Princess.”Cherokee Princess.”

So wrong on so many counts. So wrong on so many counts. Cherokees have never functioned as Cherokees have never functioned as a monarchy, so no royalty. When a monarchy, so no royalty. When was the last time you heard, “My was the last time you heard, “My great grandfather was a Cherokee great grandfather was a Cherokee Prince?” Never. Prince?” Never.

Stereotype and RealityStereotype and Reality "My great grandmother was a Cherokee "My great grandmother was a Cherokee

Princess.”Princess.” Probably this myth generated when Anglos Probably this myth generated when Anglos

overheard men calling their wives, daughters and overheard men calling their wives, daughters and lovers a term of endearment that vaguely lovers a term of endearment that vaguely translates into English as “Princess.” Actually translates into English as “Princess.” Actually this phrase quite the joke among Native this phrase quite the joke among Native Americans (just not Cherokee). Perhaps—in the Americans (just not Cherokee). Perhaps—in the kindest of terms—such claims by Anglos kindest of terms—such claims by Anglos represent a combination of historical White guilt represent a combination of historical White guilt and a disenfranchisement with ones own life and a disenfranchisement with ones own life within dominant culture.within dominant culture.


Indians are all full bloods or “I Indians are all full bloods or “I am 1/8 Cherokee”am 1/8 Cherokee”

The majority of Indians—like most The majority of Indians—like most human collectivities—are mixed human collectivities—are mixed blood. Few communities in the world blood. Few communities in the world practice practice tribal or linear endogamytribal or linear endogamy (to (to marry as close to the blood line as marry as close to the blood line as possible). Again, the stereotype possible). Again, the stereotype appears clearly: how many Cherokee appears clearly: how many Cherokee announce “I am 1/8 Anglo?”announce “I am 1/8 Anglo?”


Indians are all full bloods or “I am Indians are all full bloods or “I am 1/8 Cherokee”1/8 Cherokee”

Further, how much “blood” does it take Further, how much “blood” does it take to be considered “Native American?” to be considered “Native American?” Recent court cases have rules such Recent court cases have rules such measures non-scientific and measures non-scientific and meaningless. Whatever it means to be meaningless. Whatever it means to be “Native American” [and “Anglo” for “Native American” [and “Anglo” for that matter] must be based on that matter] must be based on something other than these something other than these mythological “mixes.”mythological “mixes.”


All Indians have an "Indian All Indians have an "Indian name."name."

Most Indians have only a Euro-Most Indians have only a Euro-American name; a minority of American name; a minority of Indians also have "Indian names“; Indians also have "Indian names“; their name pronounced in their their name pronounced in their indigenous language. indigenous language.


Indians know the histories, Indians know the histories, languages, and cultural aspects of languages, and cultural aspects of their own tribe and all other tribes.their own tribe and all other tribes.

Few Indians know all cultural aspects Few Indians know all cultural aspects of their own tribe, much less those of of their own tribe, much less those of the other 561 officially recognized the other 561 officially recognized tribes and 200 non-recognized tribes and 200 non-recognized communities. 19-20communities. 19-20thth century century practices of genocide and assimilation practices of genocide and assimilation has destroyed much of these cultures. has destroyed much of these cultures.


Indians are stoic and have no Indians are stoic and have no sense of humor.sense of humor.

Indians are as endowed with as rich Indians are as endowed with as rich a sense of humor as anyone else—a sense of humor as anyone else—probably more. probably more.


Indians like having their picture Indians like having their picture taken.taken.

Indians find photographers intrusive. Indians find photographers intrusive. How would you like somebody shove a How would you like somebody shove a video camera in your face—or the faces of video camera in your face—or the faces of your offspring—make sounds of “Ah” and your offspring—make sounds of “Ah” and “Oooh” and behave as if they had just “Oooh” and behave as if they had just recorded the missing link of humankind? recorded the missing link of humankind? Worse still: persons who want to have Worse still: persons who want to have their picture taken with “Indians.”their picture taken with “Indians.”


This presentation This presentation adapted from adapted from American Indians: American Indians: Stereotypes and Stereotypes and Realities Realities by Devon by Devon Mihesuah, 1996, Mihesuah, 1996, Clarity Press.Clarity Press.

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