Stereotypes and "Indian" Costumes
Native American Points of View
Especially on social networks, you will find a lot of controversial discussions about cultural appropriation, "Indian" costumes, stereotypes, and racism. Many comments show very clearly that there is a lack of understanding of the extremely negative impact misrepresentation and reinforced stereotypes have on Native Americans, especially on the youth and children. Among other psychological effects, it undermines their self esteem. We will share links to resources and hopefully more people will understand why we are criticizing the way Native Americans from various nations and communities are "portrayed" in movies, so-called documentaries, TV serials for children, in kindergarten and school projects, school vacation programs, in shows, in newspaper articles, advertisements, commercials, etc. We will also shed a light on cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation.
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Video: "Being Native: Dealing with Stereotypes"
by Oakland AICRC
For those of you who have ever said a stereotype to someone and they tried to stick up for their race and you just brushed it off like it was nothing, you should really do your research on what that stereotype was that you just said, because stereotypes have an impact and they are not a joke. (Quote from the video)
Video: "Daunette on What Being Native American Means to Her"
by Teen Vogue
"In this “Cultural Appreciation” video, Daunette, who is Native American, dispels myths about her culture and explains why her heritage is so meaningful to her."
Video: "Native American is a Culture — Not a Halloween Costume"
by Brut.
In this video Daunnette Reyome, a Native American model, points to the lack of awareness from people who stereotype Native culture through costume:
"When I see people wearing Native American costumes, my feelings are genuinely hurt. ... But please do not be dressed up as a Native American, because my culture is not your costume.
You dress up as a Native American for one night, but you don't understand the adversities that we go through - not just as an individual, but as people, as a nation. They don't understand the pain that we feel because, you know, it wasn't their ancestors that were slaughtered. It wasn't their ancestors that were tortured. It wasn't their ancestors that were put away. It wasn't their ancestors that had their culture taken from them. It wasn't their ancestors. If anything, it was their ancestors that did the dirty to us.
So, it really just hurts my feelings whenever I see costumes that mimic my culture because I know that they don't understand what we go through as a people." - Daunnette Reyome
Link to the video on Brut.:
Video: "We are not a costume"
#IAMNOTACOSTUME
by UrbanNativeEra
Video: "We're NOT Halloween costumes"
by Ruff Indian Productions