Stereotypes of Native Americans and their impact on individuals

Native American Culture and Stereotypes.

Kind Hearted Woman

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kind-hearted-woman/

What did you learn that you did not already know?

There are many different stereotypes that are common in the media that are related to Native Americans and their culture. Some of these include the notion that all native americans are alcoholics, that they are all lazy, live on reservations, get government privileges, among many other such stereotypes that incorrectly biased according to the evidence (Ridgeway, 2013). For example, white males are actually known to be the demographic with the highest rates of alcoholism. Although I'm am familiar with many of these portrayals, I did not realize how tough life can be for some individuals that have to live with many of the problems that Robin faces on a daily basis due to the fact that such stereotypes exist.

Were you already aware of the points made in the clip?

I was aware that there were various stereotypes that affect native americans as well as many other groups. However, what I was not aware of is the extent to which these stereotypes can impact a person on so many different levels. The presence of a stereotype can create obsticles and challenges for an individual that I did not realize existed, at least in the manner in which they do.

What do you agree with in the clip? Why?

The clip basically portrays a story of a woman who faces an increadible number of challenges and is still able to keep a positive attitude throughout all of her trials and tribulations. She has faced discrimination, abuse, living and poverty, and the challenges of living on a reservation. The full length film follows Robin for three years as she begins a new journey after being newly sober and completing a rehab program. I agree with the stories basic premise that people can make a new start and find a sense of resilience in despite numerous challenges.

Did you learn anything new about Native American culture?

Yes, there are definitely parts of the film that clued me into aspects of some American lives that I was basically oblivious to beforehand. For example, life on the reservation did not seem anything like I suspected. The Native Americans were victimized severely in the founding of the country and the survivors brutilizaiton receive some benefits for their heritage. However, I thought that these benefits were more substantial than they actually are. For example, I have always presumed that Native Americans live a relatively comfortable life and many of them own some investment rights in casinos or other profitable ventures. However, this is far from the case. In fact, the reservations, such as the one portrayed, are places in which poverty and many problems are rampant. It would be interesting to know how living in such an environment can influence the stereotype of the Native Americans that live there. For example, the environment, which consists of extreme poverty, would influence anyone regardless of their heritage. Therefore, it would be interesting to understand how this environment came to be for this demographic and how it persists in this state without some type of reform.