ED364396 RC019418
Title: American Indian Stereotypes: The Truth Behind the Hype. An
Indian Education Curriculum Unit.
Author(s): Stutzman, Esther
Author Affiliation: Coos County Indian Education Coordination Program,
Coos Bay, OR.(BBB28391)
Pages: 38
Publication Date: 1993
Notes: Photographs and some drawings may not reproduce clearly.
Sponsoring Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (ED),
Washington, DC. Indian Education Programs. (EDD00035)
Available from: EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage.
Availability: Coos County Indian Education Coordination Program, 9140
Cape Arago Highway, Coos Bay, OR 97420-9645 ($5).
Language: English
Document Type: Guides--Classroom--Teacher (052)
Geographic Source: U.S.; Oregon
Journal Announcement: RIEAPR1994
Target Audience: Teachers; Practitioners
This curriculum
guide dispels the stereotypes of American Indians that humiliate
and degrade real Indian culture and add fuel to the fire of racism
and prejudice. It begins with a timeline of American Indian history
from 15,000 B.C. to the present, and compares it to a historical
timeline of Europe-Asia. The stereotype of the savage Indian is
perpetuated through movies, textbooks, coloring books, and toys.
Movie stereotypes and inaccuracies are presented in the form of
a glossary of "Indian" terms. Both primary and secondary
textbooks tend to reinforce stereotypes. History books devote little
space to American Indians. They overlook American Indians' culture,
knowledge, and contributions to today's society. A letter to the
Mayor of Chicago written by the Grand Council Fire of American Indians
in 1927 urged that school children be taught the truth about the
First Americans. Reviews of several social studies texts for grades
3-12 point out strengths and weaknesses concerning their portrayal
of American Indians. Examples of Indian-related materials from texts,
coloring books, and advertisements show widespread offensive stereotypes
and erroneous information. This guide was developed for the sixth
grade level but can be easily adapted for use in other grades. (KS)
Descriptors: American Indian Culture; *American Indian History;
*American Indians; Educational Resources; *Ethnic Stereotypes; Grade
6; Intermediate Grades; *Textbook Bias; Textbook Evaluation; *United
States History
