Stereotypes and Media Portrayals of Native Americans

Like other minorities, Native Americans (NA) are often invisible. However, when depictions are present, they tend to include a narrow range of stereotypes (e.g. Poindexter et al., 2003; George & Sanders, 1995; Griffiths, 2001). From the first silent pictures showing frenzied, bloodthirsty tribes on horseback, to television programs of the 1950’s and 1960’s, the cultural image of the Native American did not change for decades, (Rollins & O’Connor, 2003). Mass media recreated the historic conflict between cowboys and Indians dramatically in: photographs, Wild West shows, Victorian advertising, dime novels, paintings, comic books, movies and television. Silent movies and early talking films portrayed Native Americans as plotting to slaughter white men and to abuse white women. Media messages also implied that settlers did not displace Native Americans. Instead, they were peaceful settlers suddenly under attack by brutes.

Early entertainment venues often showed Native Americans as the good Indian who is friendly, polite, attractive, dignified and appreciative of nature (Griffiths, 2001). Conversely, the bad Indian is lecherous, brutal, dishonest and superstitious. In this vein, the degraded Indian often succumbed to white influence and lost his ‘Indianness’ without being able to assimilate. Thus, he became degenerate, poor and often drunken... (Larson, 2006). The press coverage of drinking in NA cultures perpetuates stereotypes depicting Native Americans as alcoholics. In reality, drinking patterns vary from tribe to tribe, as well as from individual to individual (Tan & Fujioka, 1997).

Another common stereotype of Native Americans is that they have “supercitizen status,” “cradle to grave” benefits, and they receive government checks just for being Native American (Tan & Fujioka, 1997). The stereotype originated because they have fishing, hunting, and other rights because they are recognized political bodies that have signed treaties with the U.S. government. For instance, members of certain tribes receive dividends from the sale of their resources and from stocks (Tan & Fujioka, 1997). Another stereotype depicts them as lazy, unemployable, and long-term welfare recipients. Along with this characterization is the idea that Indians live on reservations because they cannot “make it” on the outside (mainstream America), they are uneducated, and they have no other choice.

The most long-standing dichotomous portrayal of NAs depicts them as savages. On one hand, the ‘‘Ignoble Savage’’ is a stereotypically violent Indian framed as villains or impediments to progress (Griffiths, 2001). Conversely, the ignoble savage is an untamable murderer; a hellish demon who scalped women and children. Once conquered, he becomes a thief, a drunkard and a beggar, unwilling to work but willing to accept government handouts. The female version is the old, dirty, ugly woman who endlessly toils away at domestic work to support her lazy Indian man (Merskin, 1998). On the other hand, the ‘‘Noble Savage’’ is the good or redeemable Indian who is close to nature. The noble savage is a peaceful, spiritual guardian of the land who exists in harmony with nature (Griffiths, 2001).

Suggested citation: Moody, M. (2011).  Stereotypes and Media Portrayals of Native Americans. Media Studies Overview. Accessed via  http://miamedia1.blogspot.com/