Quite a busy month for stereotypes this time around.  The nominees:

* Native wrestler "warriors" do war dances and cries

* Editorial trivializes Native belief in sacred mountains

* Students call Indian "Sitting Bull," do tomahawk chop

* GOP candidate thinks sovereignty "balkanizes" the US

* Fake Dept. of Justice fax alleges cannibalism in Guam

* Cartoon implies Indian history isn't valid school subject

* Native Barbie wears buckskin "tribal princess" outfit

* Indians not part of Utah history in Olympics ceremony

* Judge tells aboriginal mother to mollify kids with heroin

* Chief justice implies Natives are "conquered people"

* MsSquaw.com proud of its politically incorrect name

* Store sells chicken with "Top Chick" logo in headdress

* Church historians don't believe God chose Juan Diego

* Canada MP compares Native kids to suicide bombers

Dishonorable mention goes to Canada's chief justice for implying the
country's aboriginal people were "conquered."  Actually, many Canadian--and
US--tribes either signed treaties voluntarily or didn't sign them at all. 
The distinction may be subtle, but coming from such a powerful figure, it
suggests a deep well of historical misunderstanding.

This month's loser is the Olympics opening ceremony.  After a reportedly
impressive introduction featuring Utah's Native tribes, the show segued
into an interpretive history of Utah that was devoid of Native people.  The
implication was that Native people are prehistoric relics who played no
role in shaping US history.

Again, a subtle point, perhaps.  But since it was broadcast to a worldwide
audience, it had a subtle effect times a billion.  How does someone in
Borneo or wherever learn about history except by watching shows like this?

To see all the stereotypes, or to nominate your own, visit
http://www.bluecorncomics.com/stertype.htm.

Rob Schmidt
Publisher
PEACE PARTY
http://www.bluecorncomics.com

Visit and show your support for the Grass Roots Oyate
http://members.tripod.com/GrassRootsOyate

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