11.3 Native American representation in media and popular culture
10 min read•august 20, 2024
Native American representation in media and popular culture has long been plagued by stereotypes and . From the to the , 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 through , 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," 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
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 "" 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
- "" (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 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 "" 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
- 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 , , and 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 , , and 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 and , 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 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 and self-representation, Native American communities are not only reclaiming their narratives but also creating new possibilities for cultural renewal, healing, and empowerment
Key Terms to Review (32)
#notyourmascot: #notyourmascot is a social media campaign and movement aimed at challenging the use of Native American imagery and names as mascots in sports and popular culture. This term encapsulates the broader conversation about cultural appropriation, representation, and the negative stereotypes that are perpetuated through these mascots. By raising awareness and encouraging dialogue, #notyourmascot seeks to empower Native communities and advocate for respectful representation in media and sports.
A Tribe Called Red: A Tribe Called Red is a Canadian musical group formed in 2008, known for their unique blend of electronic dance music and traditional Indigenous sounds. They aim to promote Indigenous culture and identity through their music while challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about Native peoples in mainstream media and popular culture.
American Indian Movement: The American Indian Movement (AIM) is a grassroots organization founded in 1968 that advocates for the rights of Native Americans, focusing on issues such as sovereignty, cultural preservation, and social justice. AIM emerged during a time of increased activism in the 1960s and 70s, coinciding with a broader Red Power movement that sought to address the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in the United States, including land rights, political representation, and cultural recognition.
Authentic storytelling: Authentic storytelling refers to the practice of sharing narratives that are genuine, culturally relevant, and reflective of the true experiences and perspectives of a community, particularly in the context of Native American representation. This approach emphasizes the importance of voice, integrity, and cultural accuracy, aiming to counteract stereotypes and misrepresentations often found in mainstream media. By valuing the lived experiences and traditions of Native communities, authentic storytelling plays a vital role in reshaping perceptions and fostering understanding.
Chris Eyre: Chris Eyre is a prominent Native American filmmaker, known for his contributions to Indigenous cinema and representation in film and media. As a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, he has played a significant role in highlighting Native American stories and perspectives, particularly through his acclaimed films that challenge stereotypes and provide authentic portrayals of Indigenous life.
Cultural appropriation: Cultural appropriation is the act of taking or using elements from one culture by members of another culture, often without permission or understanding. This practice can lead to a distortion of the original meaning and significance of cultural symbols, particularly when a dominant culture appropriates aspects from a marginalized or oppressed culture. It raises issues of power dynamics, representation, and respect in the context of cultural exchange.
Cultural sovereignty: Cultural sovereignty refers to the inherent right of a cultural group, especially Indigenous peoples, to maintain and control their cultural identity, traditions, and practices without external interference. This concept is vital as it underscores the importance of self-determination and the ability to define one's own cultural narratives in a society that often marginalizes those identities, particularly in media and popular culture.
Dances with Wolves: Dances with Wolves is a 1990 film directed by Kevin Costner that tells the story of a Union soldier who befriends a group of Lakota Sioux during the American Civil War. The film is notable for its portrayal of Native American culture and perspectives, marking a shift in how Indigenous people were represented in Hollywood. It highlights themes of friendship, identity, and the clash between cultures, significantly impacting the portrayal of Native Americans in media and popular culture.
Drunken indian: The term 'drunken indian' refers to a stereotype that depicts Native Americans as alcoholics, perpetuating a damaging and inaccurate narrative in media and popular culture. This representation often simplifies the complex socio-economic issues faced by Native communities, framing them primarily through the lens of substance abuse. Such portrayals contribute to a broader pattern of negative imagery that shapes public perception and reinforces harmful stereotypes.
Identity politics: Identity politics refers to political movements or ideologies that prioritize the interests and perspectives of specific social groups defined by shared characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or culture. This concept emphasizes the importance of understanding how these identities shape individual experiences and political beliefs, especially in the context of social justice and representation.
Indigenous narrative: An indigenous narrative refers to stories and forms of expression that originate from Indigenous peoples, reflecting their unique cultural, historical, and spiritual perspectives. These narratives serve as a vital means of preserving traditions, sharing knowledge, and asserting identity, often countering dominant cultural representations and stereotypes found in mainstream media and popular culture.
Jeffrey gibson: jeffrey gibson is a contemporary Native American artist known for his innovative work that combines traditional Native American art forms with modern aesthetics and materials. His art often explores themes of identity, culture, and the complexities of representation in the broader context of American society.
Kent Monkman: Kent Monkman is a contemporary Indigenous artist known for his provocative and thought-provoking work that challenges stereotypes and representations of Native Americans in media and popular culture. He employs a variety of mediums, including painting, performance, and installation, to address themes of colonialism, identity, and resilience, often using humor and irony to critique historical narratives surrounding Indigenous peoples.
Misrepresentation: Misrepresentation refers to the distortion or inaccurate portrayal of a person, group, or culture, often leading to stereotypes and misunderstanding. In the context of Native American representation in media and popular culture, it highlights how media can oversimplify, exaggerate, or completely fabricate aspects of Indigenous identities and experiences, contributing to harmful narratives and cultural appropriation.
Mystical native: The term 'mystical native' refers to the romanticized and often stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans in media and popular culture as spiritually enlightened, deeply connected to nature, and possessing supernatural abilities. This representation simplifies the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures and often ignores the complexities of their identities and experiences, reducing them to a mystical archetype that fits Western narratives.
Native-inspired designs: Native-inspired designs refer to artistic expressions, patterns, or motifs that draw influence from Native American cultural heritage and aesthetics. These designs can be found in various forms such as clothing, jewelry, home décor, and visual arts, often celebrating or appropriating elements of Native traditions while sometimes lacking the context or depth of the original cultures they are inspired by.
Native-made films: Native-made films are movies produced by Indigenous filmmakers that focus on Native American stories, cultures, and perspectives. These films serve as a powerful medium for authentic representation, challenging stereotypes often perpetuated in mainstream media and showcasing the diversity within Native cultures. By centering Indigenous narratives, native-made films aim to reclaim storytelling rights and provide a platform for Native voices in the cinematic landscape.
Noble Savage: The term 'noble savage' refers to a romanticized concept of Indigenous peoples as inherently good and pure, living in harmony with nature and untouched by the corruption of civilization. This idea often contrasts the so-called 'civilized' world, suggesting that Indigenous cultures embody a natural virtue that is lost in modern society. This representation plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of Native Americans in media and popular culture, influencing both stereotypes and idealizations.
Pocahontas: Pocahontas was a Native American woman of the Powhatan tribe who played a significant role in the early colonial history of North America, especially regarding her interactions with English settlers. She is often depicted in media and popular culture as a romanticized figure, symbolizing peace and cultural exchange between Native Americans and Europeans. This portrayal often simplifies her true life story and obscures the complexities of her identity and the historical context.
Redface: Redface refers to the practice of non-Native individuals or groups portraying Native American identities, often through exaggerated or stereotypical representations in media and popular culture. This term highlights the problematic and offensive nature of such portrayals, as they perpetuate harmful stereotypes, strip Native people of their authentic identities, and contribute to a wider culture of appropriation and misrepresentation.
Savage stereotype: The savage stereotype refers to the portrayal of Indigenous peoples as primitive, violent, and uncivilized, often emphasizing their supposed barbarism and lack of sophistication. This damaging representation has its roots in colonial narratives and has been perpetuated in various forms of media, influencing public perceptions of Native American cultures and identities.
Self-representation: Self-representation refers to the process by which individuals or groups define and express their own identities, cultures, and experiences, rather than being portrayed by outsiders. This concept is especially significant for marginalized communities, like Native Americans, as it allows them to reclaim their narratives and challenge stereotypes prevalent in media and popular culture.
Sexualized native women: The term 'sexualized native women' refers to the stereotype and representation of Indigenous women in a manner that emphasizes their sexuality, often portraying them as hypersexualized or exotic figures. This stereotype is deeply rooted in colonial narratives and perpetuated by media and popular culture, contributing to harmful perceptions and misrepresentations of Native American identity and experience.
Smoke signals: Smoke signals are a traditional method of communication used by various Indigenous peoples, where smoke is produced from a fire to convey messages over long distances. This practice, often associated with Native American culture, symbolizes a form of non-verbal communication that can signify warnings, greetings, or other important information. It represents an integral aspect of Indigenous cultural practices and showcases the resourcefulness and adaptability of these communities in their historical contexts.
Sports mascots: Sports mascots are symbolic figures or characters used by sports teams to represent their identity, culture, and spirit. These mascots often embody traits that fans associate with the team, and they play a significant role in fostering community, fan engagement, and branding. In the context of Native American representation, many sports mascots draw on Indigenous themes and imagery, which raises important discussions about cultural appropriation and respect for Native identities.
Sterlin Harjo: Sterlin Harjo is a Native American filmmaker, writer, and creator known for his impactful work in showcasing Indigenous stories and perspectives through film and television. His works often highlight the experiences of contemporary Native Americans, challenging stereotypes and promoting a deeper understanding of their culture in the media and popular culture.
Supaman: Supaman is a Native American hip-hop artist and cultural activist known for his music that blends traditional Indigenous themes with contemporary rap. He uses his platform to address issues of identity, social justice, and representation, highlighting the experiences and struggles of Native Americans in modern society. Through his art, Supaman aims to inspire empowerment and pride within Indigenous communities while challenging stereotypes prevalent in mainstream media.
Sydney Freeland: Sydney Freeland is a Native American filmmaker and director known for her work that emphasizes Indigenous stories and perspectives in media. She is recognized for her commitment to authentic representation of Native culture and her innovative approaches to storytelling, which challenge stereotypes often seen in mainstream cinema.
Visual sovereignty: Visual sovereignty refers to the right of Indigenous peoples to control how they are represented and depicted in visual media. This concept emphasizes the importance of self-representation and challenges the dominant narratives created by outsiders that often misrepresent or stereotype Indigenous cultures. By asserting visual sovereignty, Indigenous creators reclaim their narratives and offer authentic portrayals that reflect their own identities and experiences.
Warrior stereotype: The warrior stereotype refers to the oversimplified and often exaggerated portrayal of Native American men as fierce, aggressive fighters, reinforcing a narrow view of their identity. This stereotype has roots in colonial narratives and has been perpetuated through various forms of media and popular culture, leading to a limited understanding of the diverse experiences and identities within Native American communities.
Wendy Red Star: Wendy Red Star is a contemporary Native American artist known for her innovative work that blends photography, installation, and video to explore themes of identity, culture, and representation. Her art often challenges stereotypes of Native Americans in media and popular culture, using humor and a critical lens to address historical narratives while celebrating her Crow heritage.
Western films: Western films are a genre of movies set primarily in the American Old West, often depicting cowboys, outlaws, and lawmen in dramatic narratives filled with conflict and adventure. These films have significantly shaped the portrayal of Native Americans and their cultures, often reinforcing stereotypes and misconceptions in popular culture.