The answer to this question is, on the surface, obvious. Of course Indians are better represented in the National Museum of the American Indian than on a flag for a sports team. NMAI presents Native American culture with political correctness, tact, and respect. Their website focuses on the anthropological nature of the artifacts and collections on display at the museum, and the proper recognition/portrayal of Native Americans through video and photography. Everything about NMAI screams discretion. Conversely, the portrayal of Native Americans seen in sports mascots is exactly the opposite of NMAI. It embraces a war-like mentality, depicting Native Americans painted for battle with the stereotypical hostile expressions and garb for war. Lately, there has been a push for political correctness within the realm of mascots. For example, the mascot of Knox College was previously Old Siwash, but in 1993 it was changed to the Prairie Fire, after a controversy brought up about the old name. Siwash comes from the language of Chinook Indians, and was a derogatory term referring to the native people by the settlers.
Playing the devils advocate, however, the correct portrayal of Native Americans can be reversed. NMAI, while being politically correct, completely neglects to emphasize the struggles between the settlers and the Indians. There isn’t a mention of the countless unnecessary deaths perpetuated by the “white man”. The problem is, NMAI is politically correct on both sides on the issue, not wishing to offend descendants of either the Indians or of the settlers. The mascots, however, portray the Indians as fighters, not attempting to cover up their violent history with placidity and artifacts.
http://www.americanindian.si.edu/index.cfm
http://www.americanindian.si.edu/index.cfm
Dayna,
ReplyDeleteDon't you think it's also offensive to just leave this important part of history out of an entire museum dedicated to the memory of the Native Americans themselves? I agree that they do not want to offend descendants of either side, but isn't it more important to be truthful despite the fact that it might make someone mad rather than avoiding the topic just because it's a touchy subject. I do agree that the image on the flag is far more offensive. If you get a chance, look at the other picture on my blog post that I found from another redskins website.
yes, I do agree that the museum should focus more on what really happened to the first people of our country. The tact and delicacy NMAI tries so hard to convey effectively serves as a further slap in the face to the Native Americans. By not recognizing the vital historical truth (the word 'genocide' is used only once in the museum) Native Americans are done a disservice, but the museum gets the satisfaction of not technically offending anyone. I really liked the points you brought up in your reflection this week, and along those same lines, it could be argued that the NMAI is really a museum for assuaging the guilt of the oppressor rather than a tribute to Native Americans. If the museum was truly trying to accurately represent Native American history, it would be essential to devote space to, as you said, how we screwed them over.
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