First released in 1953, Disney's Peter Pan won the hearts of adults and children alike as it swept audiences into an adventure full of pirates, fairies, mermaids, and "In-juns". While in Never Land, the Darling children attended their first pow-wow with the native tribe:
At first glance, this short clip seems harmless and even amusing. However, the racial stereotypes within it are quite shocking. War-whooping and painted savages speaking only in grunts would hardly be appreciated today nor appropriately represent the minority culture so rich in history and culture. Decades and policies later, I doubt Disney would be able to release a film with a scene like the one above.
Over the past few decades, the media has shifted from encouraging racism to encouraging respect (especially respect from the majority culture). Though policies and political correctness have played a significant role in this shift, the media continues to aid the uprooting process of racial prejudices against Native Americans. This is evidenced in many forms of media such as radio, film, and even sports.
Quite a few national sports teams boast "Indian" names and mascots--Washington Redskins, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Blackhawks, et cetera. During the late 1980's and the 1990's, Native American Rights Activists and tribal leaders claimed the teams' names and mascots to be negative and offensive. Their opposition spread like wildfire as newspapers, news casters, and even magazines caught drift of the argument. According to a poll in 2002 Sports Illustrated issue, tribal leaders and Native American Rights activists still thoroughly opposed the teams names. Though we have yet to see drastic changes or renaming's, the argument continues to open minds to the still present racial prejudices.
Encouragement from media, has also come in the form of film and television. Recent decades have seen films portraying Native Americans in a more positive light than in the past. A few examples include Last of the Mohicans, Pocahontas, and Dances With Wolves. Other movies even poke fun at incorrect assumptions such as Maverick in the following clip, thus encouraging further reform:
As shown, it is quite difficult to find negative media sources, as most are attempting to slough away prior misconceptions. Furthermore, radio and other news sources have also played a significant roll in the continuing discussion. In a National Public Radio (NPR) stream of Tell Me More hosted by Michel Marten, Representative John McCoy and editor Rob Capriccioso discuss the US Senate's resolution for President Obama to make a formal apology to the Native American Nations for past wrongdoings. The tide is catching on; America is opening its eyes and ears. Just look at the progress made from Peter Pan to the Senate pleading for an apology.
Although reform has come a long way, there are obviously still prejudices (otherwise media would not still be encouraging reform). After all, it will most likely take several generations to completely rid the nation of age-old stereotypes. Some of these generation-passed stereotypes became evident in a quick poll I took on Facebook. In response to the question, "What are the first words you think of when you hear the term 'Native American', " these were the results:
- Pocahontas haha
- Sacajawea, Cherokee, Lushootsheed, Oklahoma, Poor Treatment, Reservation
- Buckskin, bow and arrow, corn
- Me...that's what I always tell people I am, since I was born in America
- Dances With Wolves
- A people driven from their land because they were not living or working it the way someone else would
- Braids and Feathers
- Family
- ...fish. I have NO idea why. I need help.
- Indians
- European violence
- Political correctedness
- That's what I am! :) And i don't like some of the things on this list...
- casinos
- Fire and tribal war dances
- Indian
- Turquoise
- Navajo tacos...yep.
- Indian
- Pocahontas
- Head dress :)
- American Indian
- American Indian, Arizona
Although the majority of my friends are very well-educated, these responses still evidence mis-assumptions of the Native American race and culture. Especially poignant was the response, "that's what I am! And I don't like some of the things on this list..." Though society has made great strides, there are obviously still miss-assumptions.
Now, for the pivotal questions--how might Native American students be viewed in light of the media and racial prejudices? How will the media and prejudices affect the way Native American students view themselves? And lastly, how can a teacher mitigate the effects of stereotypes and racism on their students and classrooms?
First, Native American students may be viewed as negatively different by the rest of the class and even by the teacher. If the teacher and student are prejudiced against Native Americans, they will see the students in light of the prejudices missing out on the student's full potential. For instance, if the teacher views Native Americans as "lazy," he or she will be less likely to believe in the students' academic potential and will probably grade accordingly, thus hampering the child's progress. Furthermore, if a Native American student is viewed poorly by other students, he is more likely to withdraw socially, hampering both his social and (as studies have shown) academic progress.
Second, a Native American child may feel pressure to assimilate towards the majority culture in an effort to hide his or her differences. If prejudices are evident, the student may feel embarrassed instead of feeling pride for his or her heritage. Also, if a school's policies contain forms of institutionalized racism, Native American students may be prevented from reaching their potential. For example, many Native American families do not enjoy the affluence many of their Caucasian counterparts do enjoy. Therefore, if extra-curricular activities require extra money, many students will be excluded. One such form of institutionalized racism could prevent Native Americans from enjoying the entire gamut of educational experiences.
Third, teachers have the responsibility to aid the success of every student to the utmost of their ability. Furthermore, teachers have the unique position to be able to help chip away some of the racism holding back certain students and mitigate the effects of media and prior prejudices. For example, instead of assimilation, teachers should encourage acculturation--keeping one's own culture and history while adapting to new things as well. As teachers positively teach that Native American students are part of a rich, beautiful heritage their Native American students will have more confidence and their non-Native American students will be less prejudiced. Also, teachers can fight institutionalized racism by using positive resistance. For example, a teacher could host a school club for Native American students hopefully encouraging students to embrace their culture and gain recognition. The club could host a pow-wow, teach children native dances, or teach native art.
As seen with the Native American culture there are many forms of misconceptions influenced the media (though better now than in the past) and ingrained racism. Teachers have a clear and urgent responsibility to stay abreast of media messages and school-imposed messages that may affect their students. Teachers can help and by having a clear understanding of media messages, teachers can be equipped and understanding of the pressures faced by their students. Every student deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. Every student.
Sources:
S.L. Price & Andrea Woo, "The Indian Wars," Sports Illustrated, March 4, 2002, pp 66-71
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