From: Debbie Reese <dreese.nambe_at_gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2014 13:31:12 -0600

Thanks, Tim, for telling us about the text you got from someone who wanted to know if Snowmonsters are part of Choctaw traditional stories.

When I read that part, I didn't take it as Choctaw. I knew it was the sort of clowning around that families do. Why did I know that? I'm not sure!

I think the texted question itself speaks to the power of stereotypes. Steeped in a belief that we're really really different from other peoples means that people think that every single thing we do is part of ritual or tradition.

We are different--I don't mean to collapse those very important differences--but Tim's imaginings and the imaginings some writers give us are in the realm of "the white man's Indian." The two are miles apart.

(Note: The White Man's Indian is by Robert Berkhofer.)

Debbie


__________________________________________________________

Debbie Reese, PhD Tribally enrolled: Nambe Pueblo

Email: dreese.nambe_at_gmail.com

Website: American Indians in Children's Literature
_at_ http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.net

Now: Studying for MLIS at San Jose State University Then: Assistant Professor in American Indian Studies, University of Illinois

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Received on Thu 20 Feb 2014 01:31:34 PM CST