The document discusses the misrepresentation of Native American characters in comic books through the use of harmful stereotypes. It outlines several criteria to help evaluate the level of stereotyping, including examining the vocabulary used, how Native Americans speak and dress, whether they are portrayed as extinct or as either noble savages. The document provides specific examples from comic books that do and do not conform to these stereotypes. It argues for the need to recognize Native American humanity and diversity in comic book portrayals.

1. (Not So) Funny Books: Native Americans in Comic Books

2. Synopsis Native American characters have been misrepresented in many genre and media forms How do we evaluate the level of stereotypes used? Universal standard to determine stereotype? Character eval is subjective, at best Broad categories to help make determinations about potential misrepresentation. Explore these criteria and examples that conform –fully or in part – or resist such stereotypes.

4. Overview Early love of Comics / pop culture Academic credentials Cultural Affinity Various Stereotypes Comic Utopia For more “411”… Q&A

5. Love of Comics Why comics? Farmboys need comics, too…

6. BA Native American Studies, OU BA Film Studies, OU MFA 3D Modeling, AAU (popular media) Academic credentials

7. Cultural Affinity Indigenous - Caddo Participation / Appointments Business Goals

8. Why Use Criteria? Comics medium is far-ranging Has many similarities in other media Stereotypes various/numerous, specific need to break into categories Offers a way to form personal opinion, used as a foundation

9. Stedman Source Text Shadows of the Indian: Stereotypes in American Outlines stereotypes in many media forms Provides specific questions to ask

10. Stedman Criteria Is the vocabulary demeaning? Do the Indians Talk Like Tonto? Do the Indians Belong to the Feather-Bonnet Tribe? Are Comic Interludes Built Upon Firewater and Stupidity? Are the Indians Portrayed as an Extinct Species? Are the Indians either Noble or Savage? Is the Tone Patronizing? Is Indian Humanness Recognized?

11. Is the vocabulary demeaning? Are terms such as redskin , savage , squaw , brave used ? Many “normal” people find these terms acceptable. Negative associated with such terms Sometimes used to demo villainy Problem? Using such descriptions severely limit Indigenous portrayal. redskin savage squaw brave wagon burner Injun Papoose chief

12. Specific supporting examples. White Indian Redskin Older comics Any comic with Tonto…

13. Opposing Examples X-Men, New Mutants, X-Force (new) Lone Ranger & Tonto Chickasaw Adventures Peace Party

14. Do the Indians Talk Like Tonto? Tonto-talk limits Indigenous characters Makes them appear less intelligent than Anglo characters Stedman: “ The old-time Indian talk is wrong, dead wrong. Someday even writers for the popular media will realize that fact. Someday.”

15. Specific examples. Tonto Red Ryder’s Little Beaver Big Chief Wahoo

16. Opposing Examples Scout Forge Dani Moonstar Portal

17. Do the Indians Belong to the Feather-Bonnet Tribe? Indigenous = cultural diversity. Pop culture media adopted a Pan-Indian look. Mass media “fostered the idea that Indians have one ethnic, national, and linguistic identity…all Indians look, think, and talk alike.” Indigenous people are more diverse from than we are similar. May share some cultural similarities; no two tribal nations are exactly the same. Comic books readers may think we all dress alike. Popular media insists that we should look “Indian” enough.

18. Specific examples. Turok American Eagle White Indian Red Ryder Chief Man-of-Bats On and on…

19. Opposing Examples Street Wolf Forge Portal Dani Moonstar (recently) Warpath (recently)

20. Are Comic Interludes Built Upon Firewater and Stupidity? Portrays Indigenous people as drunkards, stupid, or just stupid drunks. Stedman: “he is either the drunken fool or the sober dolt.” Similar to “jungle” comics - restless natives waiting for a white savior. Examples: Red Ryder’s Little Beaver and The Lone Ranger’s Tonto.

21. Specific examples. Chief Man-of-Bats Disney Comics

22. Opposing Examples X-Men, New Mutants, X-Force Street Wolf Shaman’s Tears Shaman / Talisman

23. Are the Indians Portrayed as an Extinct Species? One of the biggest problems in all media. Existing only in the past exclusively is a recurrent theme. Also found in many ‘info’ books, that focus on the traditional aspects, leaving out modern-day. Problem? Indigenous people exist in modern times / continuance is one of our most valuable commodities.

24. Specific examples. Turok Pow Wow Smith Tonto Red Wolf Browser and Sequoia … and on.

25. Opposing Examples Kagi: The Raven Street Wolf X-Men, New Mutants, X-Force Dawnstar

26. Are the Indians either Noble or Savage? Dichotomy has pervaded for several years “ An Indian too good to be true or too bad to be believed? Suspect shallow research and narrow viewpoint -- especially if those feather bonnets are in view.” Comic books do this less frequently than in past Problem: Makes character seem ill-developed when they are either too noble or savage

27. Specific examples. Tonto Indian Warriors White Indian Straight Arrow Many early comic books

28. Opposing Examples The Butcher Street Wolf Pow Wow Smith

29. Is the Tone Patronizing? Similar to derogatory terms, yet more subtle Problem: patronizing tone can be just as harmful as overtly negative imagery.

30. Specific examples. Scalphunter Disney Comics Presents Johnny Cloud

31. Opposing Examples Street Wolf Scout Turok: Dinosaur Hunter

32. Is Indian Humanness Recognized? “ In sum, are [Indigenous people] seen in something resembling full dimension?” a.k.a., “humanity” One of the most important elements of the criteria A recurring problem in comic books Main focus for this book Indigenous people are human and real. Problem: Indigenous must be seen as “real” people and not just caricatures

33. Specific examples. Almost every comic book with Native American characters

34. Opposing Examples Shaman’s Tears Scout Muktuk Wolfsbreath Tomahawk (Vertigo) Darkness Calls Lone Ranger & Tonto (Topps) Echo X-Men, New Mutants, X-Force … and more

35. Various Stereotypes White Indians & Wannabes “ Half-breed” Sidekicks and Helper Monkeys Mystical Shaman Expert Tracker / Hunters / Sharpshooters / etc. Extinction Factor Perpetual Warriors Female characters as Sexpots

36. Comic Utopia: What Can Be Done? Personal Goals Native driven media Future Needs More creative control (complete) Call to action Get involved

37. For more “411”… Comics themselves Cornell Pewewardy: American Indian Stereotypes in the World of Children Raymond William Stedman: Shadows of the Indian William Savage, Jr.: Commies, Cowboys, and Jungle Queens Bradford Wright: Comic Book Nation Jacqueline Kilpatrick: Celluloid Indian Overstreet The DC and Marvel Encyclopedias The Web Blue Corn Comics The Grand Comic Book Data Base Michigan State University Libraries – Comic Art Collection, Special Collections Division The Unofficial Guide to the DC Universe eBay Wikipedia Comic Book Resources (CBR) Marvel Universe: the Official Marvel Wiki

38. Q&A Go for it.