Stereotypes and the Portrayal of First Nations

Think back to when you were a kid…did you ever play the game “Cowboys and Indians”? Who were the “good guys”…the heroes? Who were the “bad guys”…the villains? Why did you think this way about each group?

Stereotyping since First Contact Since first contact with Europeans, First Nations have been described: –simplistically and stereotypically –as inferiors –lazy, ignorant, savage This has resulted in enduring stereotypes and myths: 1.All First Nations are homogenous meaning they all share the same history and have the same customs and beliefs 2.First Nations ancestors all wore feather headdresses, carried tomahawks and lived in tipi’s 3.They are people of the past

Common Stereotypes Westerns and documentaries have tended to portray First Nations in stereotypical terms: –the wise elder –the aggressive drunk –the Indian princess –the loyal sidekick –obese and impoverished These images have become known across North America Stereotyped issues include simplistic characterizations, romanticizing of Native culture and stereotyping by omission—showing First Nations in a historical rather than modern context

What is happening in this cartoon?

Stereotypes in the Media In the News First Nations were almost always anonymous when represented in the media being; left nameless in newspapers, pictures, and magazines However, if the story was crime related – all details were provided (name, crime committed, etc) In Literature Many novels/books were published with stereotypical plots All had stereotypical titles and images Examples: Cowboys and Indians, The Wild West

Stereotypes in the Media On TV, in movies, comics, books, and even video games, First Nations have been stereotyped as nature lovers or devoted environmentalists who believe that all people must respect it An example of this is Nightwolf from Mortal Kombat Hollywood's portrayal of the American West essentially used Native tribes as a malignant presence to be wiped out or reined in, or depicted as a form of local “wildlife” Portrayals of Native characters as primitive, criminal, violent, rapists, deceptive, lower intellect, or as passive and full of childlike obedience, extended to TV, movies, novels, radio talk shows and comics.

Other Media

Disney’s Pocohontas Do you detect any stereotypes?

Marketing the Stereotype for Money Over time the “Indian” stereotype became more and more popularized in movies, novels, plays, etc. More than 3,000 “Cowboy and Indian” movies were created in Hollywood, making millions in revenue What people learned from this was the exact opposite of what actually happened These movies brainwashed society They told an unfair and untrue history of North America Example: that First Nations were barbaric, brutal ‘white killers’ How Hollywood Stereotyped First Nations

Is this offensive?

Is it now?

Brainstorm Think of professional sports in North America (Hockey, Football, Basketball, Baseball) How many team names have something to do with Aboriginals or First Nations?

Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball The Braves nickname has been used since 1912

Atlanta Fans “The Tomahawk Chop”

Washington Redskins National Football League The team has been known as the Redskins since 1933 In modern dictionaries of American English the word Redskin is labelled "usually offensive", "disparaging", "insulting", and "taboo".

Chicago Blackhawks National Hockey League Chicago’s Hockey Team has been known as the Blackhawks since 1926 Owner Frederic McLaughlin’sFrederic McLaughlin Wife designed the logo

Edmonton Eskimos Canadian Football League In 1897 the name Esquimaux was adopted. In 1910 the club was officially named the Edmonton Eskimos

CLeveland Indians Major League Baseball Chief Wahoo (Mascot Name) Cleveland’s Baseball club has been named the Indians Since Their nickname is “The Tribe”

Warpaint The Chiefs Mascot Although Retired, the Chiefs are considering bringing back ol’ Warpaint

University of Illinois Mascot Chief Illiniwek, Recently Retired after 81 years of service..

Brainstorm What would be the main arguments supporting the use of First Nations as team names and mascots? What would be the main arguments against the use of First Nations As team names and mascots?

“Indian” "Why is the term "Indian" offensive?" The term "Indian" was given to indigenous people on this continent by an explorer who was looking for India, a man who was lost and who subsequently exploited the indigenous people. Barbara Munson, a woman of the Oneida Nation

It’s an Honour.. "We are honoring Indians; you should feel honored." Native people are saying that they don't feel honored by this symbolism. We experience it as no less than a mockery of our cultures. We see objects sacred to us - such as the drum, eagle feathers, face painting and traditional dress - being used, not in sacred ceremony, or in any cultural setting, but in another culture's game. Barbara Munson, a woman of the Oneida Nation

It’s a Tribute "We are paying tribute to Indians." Indian people do not pay tribute to one another by the use of logos, portraits or statues.

Consequences of Stereotypes Stereotypes harm both the victims and those that bring about them There are effects of the society at large Victims suffer the emotional distress; anger, frustration, insecurity, and feelings of hopelessness

Consequences of Stereotypes First Nations children exposed at an early age to these mainstream images internalize the stereotypes paired with the images, resulting in lower self-esteem, contributing to all of the other problems faced by First Nations

Stereotypes and Discrimination Stereotypes become discrimination when the assumptions of being more prone to violence and alcoholism limit job opportunities. This leads directly to First Nations being viewed less stable economically, making it more difficult for those that have succeeded to fully enjoy the benefits in the same way that non-First Nations do, such as obtaining credit For those that maintain them, stereotypes prevent learning the truth about First Nations and the true history of the Americas

Destroying the Stereotypes -Today there are authentic aboriginal voices  Aboriginal Artists, Novelists, film makers etc. Aboriginal Peoples Television Network: -in 1999 APTN was createdAPTN -first Canadian Aboriginal owned and operated broadcasting company -this gives Aboriginals control over what stories are aired -suddenly non-native Canadians have a chance to hear stories, documentaries, etc. through the eyes and perspective of Aboriginal Canadians

A Culturally Appropriate Logo Created By: OJIBWAY ARTIST MIKE IVALL