Appropriating Native American Imagery Honors No One But The Prejudice Analysis

Whether the noble Indian is shedding a tear for a 1960s' environmental public service commercial or being saved by the great white hope Captain John Smith in the recent Disney movie Pocahontas, hints of self-pity and romanticism continue to haunt American Indians throughout modern culture. Some would argue that all this fascination with everything Native American is a good thing, providing some sort of honor to the tribes of the past. While others, are less enthusiastic about all the use of tomahawks and face paint. In Amy Stretten’s, “Appropriating Native American Imagery Honors No One but the Prejudice”, Ms. Stretten argues that all the use of Indian imagery for trite things like sports mascots is damaging to Native American culture and those
How does celebrating Native people with war imagery honor a living people?” Displaying her feelings and opinions through her personal account is very effective, giving the readers a look into her feelings towards the issue and maybe even creating some sympathy towards the Native Americans being portrayed as circus showmen. Stretten continues the personal account with her principal:
I had met one-on-one with the principal, my guidance counsellor, a few teachers and several students to share my negative feelings toward our school’s mascot – an anonymous Native American “warrior" with long, flowing, jet-black hair, a large nose and huge muscles. I guess I thought if I made it known that I felt appropriating Native American imagery was offensive, they’d stop. I was outnumbered, though, and my personal feelings didn’t
As stated by Stretten, “Native American and Alaskan Native youth have the highest rates of suicide-related fatalities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The lack of positive images of Native Americans doesn’t help self-esteem.” Giving a credible source and corelating the two establishes an interesting point. She also mentions, “The American Psychology Association (APA) recommends retiring American Indian mascots altogether. First of all, the organization found that the stereotypical images were harmful for the development and self-esteem of American Indian students. That wasn’t all. The portrayals had a negative effect on all students.” Using organizations as sources is a great way to prove what your saying is factual and display credibility. Ms. Stretten continues with, “The problem, according to the APA, is that American Indian mascots are “undermining the educational experiences of members of all communities-especially those who have had little or no contact with Indigenous peoples." And, it “Establishes an unwelcome and often times hostile learning environment for American Indian students that affirms negative images/stereotypes that are promoted in mainstream society.” Finalizing the point and corelating it to the mascot that was present in the author’s