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Facing and fighting the stereotype
Native American stereotypes have affected my life, negatively and positively. The most important and perhaps the most offensive stereotypes are of the “drunk Indian” and of Indians as drug users. And some people refer to us as “wagon burners.”
Growing up, I‘ve been surrounded by the often harsh interplay between stereotype and reality. Some of my family could easily be classified as stereotypical Native Americans, being aggressive drunks.
Opinion: Facing and fighting the stereotype • Published by ThreeSixty, re-published by permission.
However, that stereotype has motivated me to follow a different path. I did a little research and found that Native Americans have one of the highest incidences of chronic alcoholism.
My uncle’s death symbolizes the cost of alcoholism. A few years ago, I found out my uncle had been drinking. He ended up going for a walk, got hit by a car and later died. I had rarely seen or spoken to my uncle, but I was devastated to know that his death could have been prevented. I truly think if he hadn’t been drinking he would still be alive.
I don’t want to end up like my uncle and go down that path. I want to change how people see us by keeping myself healthy and helping others do the same.
The next important and offensive stereotype is that of the “wagon burner.” This refers to the image of Native Americans burning settlers’ wagons to get them to leave Native land. Friends have called me a “wagon burner” as a joke, but I always say it is disrespectful and offensive. Once one person feels comfortable using that language, soon many will.
I have decided to view the stereotypes of Native Americans as alcoholics, drug abusers and “wagon burners” as a challenge to prove small-minded people wrong. I’m proud to be who I am and look forward to the future ahead of me.
Amanda Donovan-Larson graduated from Washburn High School in Minneapolis in 2007.
Comments
Although American Indians
Although American Indians have one of the highest incidences of chronic alcoholism, they also have one of the highest percentages of complete sobriety within American society!
living life
Living life as an AMerican Indian does not mean that I need to constantly represent every American Indian that lives. It is not my job to be a martyr and always educate those around me. Non-Native people have responsibility to learn about the world they live in, just as I have been forced to by living every day in a world dominated by white people. For me it is not a choice to learn about white people. I stopped being a martyr educator long ago, in college- it will quickly burn you out. Yet I loudly and freely express my opinion to anyone who will stop for a minute to listen, regarding issues such as mascots, Bear Butte, Indian Health Care, etc…
I choose not to drink alcohol, smoke, or do drugs b/c I want to be healthy, be a better mother, and a good example for my children. I want to stop the cycle of addiction and violence in my own family. I am not trying to be a “good Indian” for those around me. I am not trying to be an “honorable Indian” for others. I am just being me and navigating the real world.
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