The Present Day American Indian
In a racially and politically sensitive America, groups have battled against stereotype and often prevailed resulting in better represenation in movies and corporations. The problem, however, has been that as some minorities have made great strides in altering America's perception of their race, a minority group that simply can never be in the majority given its limited population is still victim to stereotypes. American Indians constantly face derision as mascots and savages wearing loincloths.
With recognition at Thanksgiving and bit parts in movies, America has seemed to offer its best sensitivity to the American Indian people. The images though that dominate are based on ignorant perceptions from the 1800s. A performance at Shakespeare Theater in Washington, DC of As You Like It, depicts the American Indian people in the stereotypical fashion even though the production may have intended the depiction to be a hommage to these original peoples. Meanwhile, a blog featuring "Native American" themed music only portrays the American Indian of the past in black and white photos. As the world, tribal relations, and cultures have progressed and transformed, are the black and white images still the go-to depiction?
It is difficult to not rely on these depictions as American Indians seem to rarely represent in our society. In a given workplace where at worst quotas persist for minorities (and at best other races are actually represented), American Indians rarely have a place. The population is just too small. The majority of Americans may never actually meet an American Indian or may never recognize it when he or she does. These stereotypes are so predominant that when an American Indian does self-identify he or she may face ridicule in the workplace and from peers. American Indians are expected to have grown up on reservations, have long dark hair, and all look the same despite tribal differences. Perhaps, they are even supposed to wear a feather in their hair and adorn themselves with war paint.
These individuals taunting the non-stereotypical American Indians cannot even recognize their mistake. Just as the Louisiana Justice of the Peace who denied a certificate to an interracial couple did not believe himself to be a racist, those that mock, question, or deny non-stereotypical American Indians their identity are racists in denial. Unfortunately, as ignorance has not been an acceptable excuse for perceptions of other race, it still is for perceptions of American Indians.
Rather than black and white photos and hum-drumming about Thanksgiving, real American Indians ought to be recognized. American Indians, while they have their own nations, are also an integral part of the American nation. American Indians hold high political positions advising the President, are physicians, builders, engineers, artists, and are part of the fabric of the United States. Erasing assumptions of skin color, hair color, dress, and up-bringing will perhaps vanquish ignorance and allow America's eyes to focus on the real people. Rather than assuming somebody is not American Indian, rather than scrutinizing and questioning them, America needs to start accepting the present day American Indian and all descendants need to be proud of their heritage.
With recognition at Thanksgiving and bit parts in movies, America has seemed to offer its best sensitivity to the American Indian people. The images though that dominate are based on ignorant perceptions from the 1800s. A performance at Shakespeare Theater in Washington, DC of As You Like It, depicts the American Indian people in the stereotypical fashion even though the production may have intended the depiction to be a hommage to these original peoples. Meanwhile, a blog featuring "Native American" themed music only portrays the American Indian of the past in black and white photos. As the world, tribal relations, and cultures have progressed and transformed, are the black and white images still the go-to depiction?
It is difficult to not rely on these depictions as American Indians seem to rarely represent in our society. In a given workplace where at worst quotas persist for minorities (and at best other races are actually represented), American Indians rarely have a place. The population is just too small. The majority of Americans may never actually meet an American Indian or may never recognize it when he or she does. These stereotypes are so predominant that when an American Indian does self-identify he or she may face ridicule in the workplace and from peers. American Indians are expected to have grown up on reservations, have long dark hair, and all look the same despite tribal differences. Perhaps, they are even supposed to wear a feather in their hair and adorn themselves with war paint.
These individuals taunting the non-stereotypical American Indians cannot even recognize their mistake. Just as the Louisiana Justice of the Peace who denied a certificate to an interracial couple did not believe himself to be a racist, those that mock, question, or deny non-stereotypical American Indians their identity are racists in denial. Unfortunately, as ignorance has not been an acceptable excuse for perceptions of other race, it still is for perceptions of American Indians.
Rather than black and white photos and hum-drumming about Thanksgiving, real American Indians ought to be recognized. American Indians, while they have their own nations, are also an integral part of the American nation. American Indians hold high political positions advising the President, are physicians, builders, engineers, artists, and are part of the fabric of the United States. Erasing assumptions of skin color, hair color, dress, and up-bringing will perhaps vanquish ignorance and allow America's eyes to focus on the real people. Rather than assuming somebody is not American Indian, rather than scrutinizing and questioning them, America needs to start accepting the present day American Indian and all descendants need to be proud of their heritage.
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