The Stream - Reimagining Native Americans in the arts

On The Stream: Indigenous science fiction authors and artists fire back at J.K. Rowling’s depiction of their peoples.

Joining this conversation:

Adrienne Keene @NativeApprops
Scholar & blogger

Skawennati
New Media Artist

Stephen Graham Jones @SGJ72
Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Author

Elizabeth LaPensée @odaminowin
Writer & Video Game Designer

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This episode’s story:


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[darealparkerlouis]

As somebody with Maori and German blood this is such a good episode! highlighting issues some of my friends in Germany and in New Zealand have asked me. Top work Al Jazeera English

[zainabamadahy]

AJ totally amazes me with the under-explored issues they cover, the depth of the coverage and the respect they give to communities and their creatives.

[zainabamadahy]

Artists who make sh*t up about Native Americans run the risk of generalizing, promoting stereotypes, exacerbating negative beliefs and promoting hate against people who have already survived genocide, stolen land, residential schools and are now fighting for their lands, resources and wellbeing at all levels. Writers who fail to do their research and connect with communities they write about, can perpetuate misinterpretations that make the work of Native Americans trying to lift their communities out of poverty and fight racism even harder. It's not about "who has the right" because clearly everyone does and should but where is the responsibility? To be inaccurate and careless in this case will set back the social justice work of Native Americans. It further impacts the self esteem and dignity of child readers from those nations. Also, to some of Rowling's defenders, it's perfectly fair to criticize historical and cultural inaccuracies in fictional work..

[lisapoirier]

What a terrific segment. The closing of Al Jazeera America is so deeply and personally disappointing to me. There is nowhere else to get this particular kind of thoughtful, sustained coverage of Native American issues. (Thank goodness for ICTMN, but it is a different model.) Congratulations on all your wonderful work, and please know that you will be terribly missed.

[zainabamadahy]

Cultural appropriation kills. One example: self appointed guru James Arthur Ray who killed 3 and made dozens sick in his plastic sweat lodge. Convicted of negligent homicide in 2012. Clearly thought he didn't need to consult with Indigenous ceremonialists before offering a healing ceremony he called sweat lodge, though it bore no resemblance to the an actual ceremony.