The Love of Stereotypes: It Starts Early In Germany, too

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Because many “others” “foreigners” specific ethnicities, and in this case “Indianer” or Native American Indians are only presented in shows, as entertainment, as costumed figures who are there to entertain Germans in some way…stereotypes abound here, and are expected and even demanded. Often you see the same rapt look and desire: “Teach us! Show us! Make us laugh with wonder! Cry with excitement, shudder with amazement, dread, outrage (as to native treatment of the past)” but whatever it is, they want what they want.

For Native Americans they expect, with very clear stereotype guidelines, how you should look, speak, engage, too. If you don’t look, act or perform as they expect, they are disappointed, dejected and dissatisfied. You must meet their expectations or you are not “real”, you are not “authentic.” Continue reading “The Love of Stereotypes: It Starts Early In Germany, too”

Native Misrepresentation in Film

Natives may always find debatable whether non-native actors should be cast for roles depicting natives, particularly when experienced Native American actors are available. It doesn’t matter if it’s in an action comedy with Johnny Depp as Tonto, or a drama such as “Jimmy P.” where Puerto Rican American Benecio Del Toro starred as a Blackfoot […]