Episode 3: Stereotypes | Indigeneity Learning Media

What most Americans think they know about Native Americans is rooted in myths and stereotypes. A stereotype is a group of peoples’ misleading, false and typically negative generalizations of another group of people. In this episode of Indigeneity, Ariel and Julian introduce the most common stereotypes about Native Americans, explain where they came from, how to recognize them, why they are harmful, and how to fight back against them. These negative stereotypes include the ideas that Native Americans don’t exist, that we are childlike, primitive, close to nature, warlike, and many more.

Most Americans learn about Native Americans in school and from the media. By telling the “real story” of Pocahontas, the hosts demonstrate how books, television and movies create and reinforce stereotypes. Viewers will learn how stereotypes dehumanize peoples in order to justify war, theft of land, slavery and genocide. They will also learn several practical tips to stop these stereotypes. These include replacing Indian mascots, pointing out negative stereotypes, and spreading the word that dressing up as an Indian for Halloween is not okay.