Native Americans say movement to end ‘redface’ is slow
Posted March 17, 2019 7:52 am.
Last Updated March 17, 2019 8:07 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Native Americans say convincing the masses that portraying them as savages, illiterate and humourless is insulting has been a slow movement.
The country has spent most of the year coming to grips with blackface and racist imagery. Most recently, a TV host painted her face brown in a parody of Oscar-nominated Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio.
Yet, Native Americans say they don’t see significant pressure applied to those who perpetuate Native American stereotypes.
Throughout America’s history, people have donned redface, worn fringe and feathers, and spoken in broken English as they “played” or portrayed Native Americans.
Scholars say redface may get less attention because of ingrained misconceptions and feelings of entitlement to Native American culture and land. Native Americans are also a relatively small group.
Felicia Fonseca, The Associated Press
