"Indian" stereotypes in TV science fiction : First Nations' voices speak out / by Sierra S. Adare.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Adare, Sierra.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Indians on television.

Science fiction television programs--United States.

Science fiction television programs.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (161 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Austin : University of Texas Press, c2005.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

According to an early 1990s study, 95 percent of what college students know about Native Americans was acquired through the media, leading to widespread misunderstandings of First Nations peoples. Sierra Adare contends that negative "Indian" stereotypes do physical, mental, emotional, and financial harm to First Nations individuals. At its core, this book is a social study whose purpose is to explore the responses of First Nations peoples to representative "Indian" stereotypes portrayed within the TV science fiction genre. Participants in Adare's study viewed episodes from My Favorite Martian, Star Trek, Star Trek: Voyager, Quantum Leap, The Adventures of Superman, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Reactions by viewers range from optimism to a deep-rooted sadness. The strongest responses came after viewing a Superman episode's depiction of an "evil medicine man" who uses a ceremonial pipe to kill a warrior. The significance of First Nations peoples' responses and reactions are both surprising and profound. After publication of "Indian" Stereotypes in TV Science Fiction, ignorance can no longer be used as an excuse for Hollywood's irresponsible depiction of First Nations peoples' culture, traditions, elders, religious beliefs, and sacred objects.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Acknowledgments

Discussion of Terms Used

Introduction

CHAPTER 1. First Nations Voices on Hollywood “Indians”

CHAPTER 2. It’s All in the Label

CHAPTER 3. Future “Indians,” Past Stereotypes

CHAPTER 4, Shoshones and Non-Shoshones Assess Quantum Leap “Freedom”: A Special Showing

CHAPTER 5. Sky Spirits in Space: “Indian” Spirituality and the Small Screen

CHAPTER 6.Visions for the Future

Conclusion and Epilogue

APPENDIX A. Survey 1 Form: Stereotyping Indigenous Peoples in Science Fiction TV Shows

APPENDIX B. Shoshone Survey Form: Stereotyping Indigenous Peoples in Science Fiction TV Shows

APPENDIX C. Survey 2 Form: “American Indian” Religions and Spirituality Stereotyping in Science Fiction TV Shows

APPENDIX D. Interview Questions for Focus Group

APPENDIX E. Categorizing the Comments

APPENDIX F. Common Threads: Positive and Negative Comments on Stereotypical Depictions of “Indians” in the Episodes

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references (p. 115-136) and index.

ISBN:

0-292-79685-4

OCLC:

608329731