10.20.2011

Is This An Accurate Portrayal: Some Guidelines

Using information from Oyate and articles by Naomi Caldwell and Lisa A. Mitten, it's possible to evaluate children's literature to find accurate portrayals of Native Americans in historical and contemporary settings.

  • In picture, counting, and ABC books are "Indians" represented negatively - i.e. does "E" represent "Eskimo" and "I" present "Indian"? Are "Indians" counted? 
  • What stereotypes are present? Natives Americans not portrayed as human beings living in complex and accurately represented societies are probably being portrayed as a stereotype.
  • How is history distorted or not distorted? Does it reflect the genuine experiences of Native Americans or does it reflect a "victory" or "conquest" by Europeans?
  • How are the lifestyles depicted and what dialogue is used? Are women and elders represented positively and an integral part of society?
  • Are there positive role models for Native American children? 
More extensive and thorough suggestions can be found in the following articles:

No comments:

Post a Comment