Stereotyping of Native Americans

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There are a number of negative words, terms, and ideas associated with Native Americans that are considered derogatory and disrespectful. Most of these words at one time were a part of a Native American language but have been misused and interpreted to mean a lowly person or all Native Americans.

Often used words and terms:

• Brave: used in the context of speaking about an Indian man
• Savage: used in the context of speaking about an Indian in general
• Buck: used in the context of speaking about an Indian man
• Squaw: squaw is an Algonquin word meaning "woman". It has taken on a derogatory meaning in much of the literature about Native Americans. It has been interpreted to represent, in many cases, a "fat, lazy Indian woman" or female genitalia.
• Papoose: used in the context of speaking about an Indian baby

  *Words such as savage, buck, squaw and papoose do not bring to mind the same images as do the words man, boy, woman and baby

• Chief: used in the context of calling an Indian man, "chief"

Statements:

• "Sit like Indians"
• "You act like a bunch of wild Indians"
• "I'm dressing like an Indian for Halloween"
• "You're an Indian giver"
• "Too many chiefs, not enough Indians"

Other points:

• School children dress up in paper bag clothing, paper headbands, paper feathers, and paper plate faces to represent Native Americans and their dress. Native American traditional dress is made out of materials such as buckskin or woven wool and is, often times, difficult to make. Traditional dress is also considered an honorable thing to wear (feathers, facial make-up). Cheap replicas give children the impression that Native clothing is generic or easy to come by. Make certain children are aware of the differences and know that this is not how the Indians made their articles.
• Bulletin boards are often decorated with objects (such as turkeys or other animals) dressed in Indian clothing. Doing this dehumanizes Native Americans and distorts children's perceptions of Indian people.
• Cheap imitations of Indian art are often used to represent Native American art. This devalues the work and effort it takes to make these important artifacts. For example, using baskets that are not authentic Indian-made items to do a unit on Indian basketry does not allow children to see the quality of workmanship that goes into Native American arts and crafts. Use pictures of authentic arts and crafts if materials are not available.
• Youth programs promote stereotyping through Indian Princess or Indian Guide Programs. These type of programs in many cases, belittle Native American culture and allow any child to "become an Indian".
• Most importantly, remember, Indians are living people still carrying on past beliefs and practices in today's world and possibly in your classroom. Be sensitive and ask if you are uncertain. Most of the time, Native American children won't say anything and need to be approached individually.

Activities:

• Implement a writing activity with students to help them understand the concept of stereotyping. Have them cluster some stereotypes they may have seen about Native Americans, other ethnic groups or people in general.
• Discuss with children and have them write about why stereotypes may be harmful to individuals or groups
• Have children write a play with characters to point out the concept of stereotyping.