Review
This welcomed collection shines with new voices from both academics and activists challenging us to rethink popular representations of Indians and the direction of Native American Studies. Andrew Jolivette's innovative and dynamic collection opens up a series of timely conversations that will enliven both a popular audience and animate classroom discussions. It is the definitive contribution to issues of self-representation, self-determination, and contemporary cultural politics within Native America.... (Tomas Almaguer )
This timely collection of essays brings together voices from inside and outside the academy speaking both from personal experience and from critical and analytical positions about the representation of indigenous people in the American imaginary. The book's evocative images and engaging accounts map the past, present, and future terrain of debates and definitions of Native America. (Joane Nagel )
This welcomed collection shines with new voices from both academics and activists challenging us to rethink popular representations of Indians and the direction of Native American Studies. Andrew Jolivette's innovative and dynamic collection opens up a series of timely conversations that will enliven both a popular audience and animate classroom discussions. It is the definitive contribution to issues of self-representation, self-determination, and contemporary cultural politics within Native America. (Tomas Almaguer )
Product Description
Today as in the past there are many cultural and commercial representations of American Indians that, thoughtlessly or otherwise, negatively shape the images of indigenous people. Jolivétte and his co-authors challenge and contest these images, demonstrating how Native representation and identity are at the heart of Native politics and Native activism. In portrayals of a Native Barbie Doll or a racist mascot, disrespect of Native women, misconceptions of mixed race identities, or the commodification of all things "Indian", the authors reveal how the very existence of Native people continues to be challenged, with harmful repercussions in social and legal policy, not just in popular culture. The authors re-articulate Native history, religion, identity, and oral and literary traditions in ways that allow the true identity and persona of the Native person to be recognized and respected. It is a project that is fundamental to ethnic revitalization and the recognition of indigenous rights in North America. This book is a provocative and essential introduction for students and Native and non-Native people who wish to understand the images and realities of American Indian lifeways in American society.
