11.3 Native American representation in media and popular culture

Native American representation in media and popular culture has long been plagued by stereotypes and misrepresentation. From the noble savage to the mystical native, these harmful tropes have shaped public perceptions and perpetuated prejudice against Native communities.

Recent efforts to reclaim Native narratives have led to more authentic portrayals in film, television, and art. Native creators are challenging stereotypes and asserting cultural sovereignty through self-representation, offering nuanced depictions of contemporary Native life and identity.

Stereotypes and tropes

• Stereotypes and tropes are oversimplified, generalized representations of Native Americans that have been perpetuated in media and popular culture
• These harmful depictions reduce the diversity and complexity of Native American cultures and experiences into narrow, often negative caricatures
• Stereotypes and tropes can shape public perceptions and attitudes towards Native Americans, leading to misunderstanding, prejudice, and discrimination

Noble savage stereotype

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• Portrays Native Americans as idealized, romanticized figures who are deeply spiritual, in tune with nature, and uncorrupted by modern civilization
• Suggests that Native Americans are primitive, childlike, and in need of protection or guidance from white society
• Ignores the reality of Native American agency, adaptability, and resilience in the face of historical and ongoing challenges
• Examples: Tonto in "The Lone Ranger," Pocahontas in early colonial narratives

Mystical native trope

• Depicts Native Americans as possessing inherent spiritual powers, mystical abilities, or ancient wisdom
• Often shown as shamans, medicine men, or spiritual guides who provide guidance to non-Native characters
• Reduces Native American spirituality to a generic, exotic plot device rather than acknowledging the diversity and complexity of Native American belief systems
• Examples: Nightwolf in "Mortal Kombat," Native American characters in "Twin Peaks"

Drunken Indian stereotype

• Portrays Native Americans as chronic alcoholics or substance abusers
• Perpetuates the myth that alcoholism is an inherent trait of Native American communities
• Ignores the historical and societal factors that have contributed to substance abuse issues, such as trauma, poverty, and discrimination
• Examples: Chief Bromden in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," various Western films

Sexualized native women

• Depicts Native American women as exotic, sexually available, or submissive objects of desire
• Often portrayed as "Indian princesses" or "squaws," reducing them to stereotypical gender roles
• Ignores the agency, diversity, and strength of Native American women and their contributions to their communities
• Examples: Tiger Lily in "Peter Pan," Pocahontas in popular culture

Warrior and savage stereotypes

• Portrays Native Americans as violent, aggressive, or primitive warriors
• Often depicted as bloodthirsty savages or noble warriors fighting against white settlers
• Ignores the complex history of Native American resistance, diplomacy, and adaptation in the face of colonization and forced assimilation
• Examples: Apache and Comanche characters in Western films, Geronimo in popular culture

Misrepresentation in films

• Native Americans have been consistently misrepresented in films throughout history, often portrayed through stereotypical and inaccurate lenses
• Misrepresentation in films can shape public perceptions and reinforce harmful stereotypes about Native American cultures and experiences
• Films made by non-Native creators often lack authentic representation and perpetuate narratives of Native Americans as secondary characters or obstacles to white protagonists

Westerns and cowboys vs Indians

• Western films have long portrayed Native Americans as savage enemies or noble sidekicks to white cowboy heroes
• Native Americans are often depicted as monolithic, interchangeable groups without distinct cultures, languages, or histories
• These films glorify the myth of the American West and justify the conquest and displacement of Native American peoples
• Examples: "Stagecoach," "The Searchers," "Apache"

Pocahontas and Disney's portrayal

• Disney's 1995 animated film "Pocahontas" romanticizes and distorts the historical relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith
• The film presents a sanitized, ahistorical version of colonial encounters and erases the realities of violence, displacement, and cultural assimilation faced by Native Americans
• Pocahontas is depicted as a sexualized, exotic figure who falls in love with a white man, reinforcing the "Indian princess" stereotype
• The film's portrayal has influenced popular perceptions of Pocahontas and Native American women more broadly

Dances with Wolves white savior narrative

• The 1990 film "Dances with Wolves" features a white protagonist who becomes immersed in Lakota culture and ultimately "saves" the tribe from US Army forces
• While praised for its sympathetic portrayal of Native American characters, the film still centers the white savior narrative and presents Native Americans as secondary to the white hero's journey
• The film's success led to a surge of interest in Native American culture but also reinforced the idea that Native Americans need white allies to survive and thrive

Smoke Signals and native-made films

• "Smoke Signals" (1998) is a landmark film written, directed, and acted by Native Americans, offering an authentic portrayal of contemporary Native American life
• The film challenges stereotypes and presents complex, nuanced Native American characters dealing with issues of identity, family, and cultural heritage
• "Smoke Signals" and other Native-made films demonstrate the importance of self-representation and the power of Native American storytelling in countering misrepresentation in mainstream media
• Other examples of Native-made films include "Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner," "Rhymes for Young Ghouls," and "Songs My Brothers Taught Me"

Native Americans in television

• Native American representation in television has been limited and often stereotypical, with few authentic portrayals of contemporary Native American life
• When Native Americans do appear on television, they are often relegated to secondary or minor roles, and their cultures and experiences are frequently misrepresented or simplified
• The lack of Native American representation in television contributes to the erasure and invisibility of Native American peoples in popular culture and public consciousness

Representation in sitcoms and dramas

• Native American characters in sitcoms and dramas are often portrayed as stereotypes, such as the "mystical native" or the "stoic warrior"
• These characters are rarely given fully developed backstories or complex personalities, serving instead as plot devices or foils for non-Native characters
• Examples: Ken Hotate in "Parks and Recreation," John Redcorn in "King of the Hill"

Documentaries and reality shows

• Documentaries and reality shows about Native American communities often focus on poverty, substance abuse, or cultural traditions, presenting a narrow and sometimes sensationalized view of Native American life
• While some documentaries offer valuable insights into Native American histories and experiences, others may reinforce stereotypes or present Native Americans as exotic others
• Examples: "Native America" (PBS), "Navajo Cops" (National Geographic)

Absence and invisibility on TV

• Native American characters and stories are largely absent from mainstream television, reflecting a broader lack of representation and inclusion in the entertainment industry
• When Native Americans are included, they are often portrayed by non-Native actors, a practice known as "redface" that perpetuates the erasure of Native American talent and authenticity
• The invisibility of Native Americans on television contributes to a lack of public awareness and understanding of contemporary Native American issues and experiences

Appropriation and commodification

• Native American cultures, traditions, and aesthetics have been appropriated and commodified by non-Native individuals and corporations for profit and entertainment
• Appropriation and commodification often involve the use of Native American imagery, designs, or cultural practices without proper context, understanding, or respect for their significance
• These practices can trivialize Native American cultures, perpetuate stereotypes, and contribute to the erosion of cultural heritage and identity

Cultural appropriation in fashion

• Fashion designers and brands have often appropriated Native American designs, motifs, and traditional clothing without permission or proper attribution
• Examples include the use of war bonnets, beadwork patterns, and "tribal" prints in fashion collections and accessories
• Cultural appropriation in fashion can be seen as a form of cultural theft that disregards the sacred or ceremonial significance of certain items and reduces Native American cultures to aesthetic trends

Native-inspired designs and products

• Companies and entrepreneurs have profited from the sale of "Native-inspired" products, such as dreamcatchers, jewelry, and home decor
• These products often feature generic "Native" designs or motifs without any specific cultural context or connection to Native American communities
• The mass production and sale of these items can undermine the authenticity and economic viability of Native American artisans and businesses

Sports mascots and team names

• Many sports teams, particularly in the United States, have used Native American mascots, logos, and team names, such as the Washington Redskins and the Cleveland Indians
• These mascots and names often rely on stereotypical and derogatory depictions of Native Americans, such as the "noble savage" or the "bloodthirsty warrior"
• The use of these mascots and names has been criticized as a form of cultural appropriation that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and ignores the objections of Native American communities

Music festivals and headdresses

• Music festivals, such as Coachella, have become notorious for the appropriation of Native American headdresses and other cultural items as fashion accessories
• Non-Native attendees often wear war bonnets, which are sacred items with deep cultural and spiritual significance, without understanding their meaning or the cultural protocol surrounding their use
• The use of headdresses as fashion statements is seen as a form of disrespect and cultural insensitivity that trivializes Native American traditions and identities

Impact on native communities

• The stereotyping, misrepresentation, and appropriation of Native American cultures in media and popular culture have significant impacts on Native American communities
• These practices can reinforce harmful stereotypes, erase the diversity of Native American experiences, and contribute to the marginalization and discrimination faced by Native American individuals and communities
• The impact of these practices can be particularly damaging for Native American youth, who may struggle with issues of identity, self-esteem, and cultural connection

Reinforcing harmful stereotypes

• Stereotypical and inaccurate portrayals of Native Americans in media and popular culture can reinforce negative perceptions and attitudes towards Native American communities
• These stereotypes can perpetuate myths about Native Americans as primitive, savage, or mystical others, ignoring the complexity and diversity of Native American cultures and experiences
• The reinforcement of these stereotypes can contribute to ongoing discrimination, prejudice, and systemic inequalities faced by Native American communities

Erasure of diverse native identities

• The homogenization and simplification of Native American cultures in media and popular culture can erase the diversity of Native American identities, languages, and traditions
• Native American communities are often portrayed as a monolithic group, ignoring the distinct histories, cultures, and contemporary realities of different tribes and nations
• This erasure can contribute to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the richness and complexity of Native American life and can make it more difficult for Native American individuals to assert their unique identities and experiences

Psychological effects on native youth

• The lack of authentic and positive representation of Native Americans in media and popular culture can have significant psychological effects on Native American youth
• Native American children and adolescents may struggle to find relatable role models or see themselves reflected in the media they consume, which can impact their self-esteem, sense of belonging, and cultural pride
• Exposure to stereotypical and negative portrayals of Native Americans can also contribute to feelings of shame, alienation, and disconnection from cultural heritage

Activism and resistance against misrepresentation

• Native American communities, organizations, and activists have long been engaged in efforts to challenge and resist the misrepresentation and appropriation of their cultures in media and popular culture
• These efforts have included protests against stereotypical mascots and team names, campaigns for greater representation and inclusion in the entertainment industry, and advocacy for the protection of cultural heritage and intellectual property rights
• Native American activists have also worked to promote authentic and self-determined representations of their communities, through the creation of Native-led media, art, and cultural initiatives

Reclaiming native narratives

• In response to the long history of misrepresentation and appropriation, Native American communities have been actively working to reclaim their narratives and assert control over their own stories and representations
• This reclamation involves the creation of Native-led media, art, and cultural initiatives that center Native American voices, experiences, and perspectives
• By reclaiming their narratives, Native American communities are challenging dominant stereotypes, asserting their cultural sovereignty, and creating new possibilities for authentic and empowering representation

Native filmmakers and directors

• Native American filmmakers and directors have been at the forefront of efforts to reclaim Native narratives and create authentic representations of Native American life on screen
• Directors such as Chris Eyre, Sterlin Harjo, and Sydney Freeland have created films that explore contemporary Native American experiences, challenge stereotypes, and assert the diversity and complexity of Native American identities
• Native-led film initiatives, such as the Native American Film Festival and the Indigenous Film Festival, have provided platforms for showcasing and supporting the work of Native filmmakers

Contemporary native artists and creators

• Contemporary Native American artists and creators across various media, including visual art, music, literature, and performance, have been instrumental in reclaiming Native narratives and asserting cultural identity
• Artists such as Wendy Red Star, Jeffrey Gibson, and Kent Monkman have used their work to challenge historical and contemporary representations of Native Americans, often through the subversion or reclamation of stereotypical imagery
• Native American musicians, such as A Tribe Called Red and Supaman, have blended traditional music and contemporary genres to create new forms of cultural expression and resistance

Social media and online representation

• Social media and online platforms have provided new opportunities for Native American individuals and communities to assert control over their own representations and narratives
• Native American activists, artists, and influencers have used social media to challenge stereotypes, raise awareness about contemporary issues, and foster connections and solidarity across Native communities
• Online initiatives, such as the #NotYourMascot campaign and the Indigenous Peoples March, have harnessed the power of social media to mobilize resistance against misrepresentation and appropriation

Authentic storytelling and self-representation

• The reclamation of Native narratives ultimately involves the assertion of the right to self-representation and the creation of authentic stories that reflect the diversity and complexity of Native American experiences
• Native American writers, storytellers, and media makers are creating works that center Native American voices, perspectives, and cultural traditions, often challenging dominant narratives and historical erasures
• By engaging in authentic storytelling and self-representation, Native American communities are not only reclaiming their narratives but also creating new possibilities for cultural renewal, healing, and empowerment