Television
origins in the 1950s
only 3 networks (tough for people of color to break into)
need for LCD programming
22/44 and character development
1950s - 1970s
the era of the Western (Gunsmoke, Bonanza)
The Lone Ranger (Jay Silverheels)
secondary characters, not leads
"the good Indian" - one who has something to offer but must assimilate
1980s - 1990s
non-"Westerns" and contemporaries (Dr. Quinn, Northern Exposure)
2000s
invisible
"Red Road" - Sundance Channel
"Frontiers" Jason Momoa as Declan Harp, part Irish, part Native
Jason Momoa - father Native Hawaiian, mother German, Irish, Native
2010s and 2020s - a renaissance! (or a beginning?)
King of the Hill, Mohawk Girls
Ghosts, Resident Alien, Yellowstone/1883, Rutherford Falls, Reservation Dogs, Dark Winds, Alaska Daily, Spirit Rangers
2023 - Marvel: Echo
Studies
Brad Greenberg (2002) - prime time TV
Mastro and Stern (2003) - advertising
analyzed roughly 3000 ads, of 2315 speaking parts, 9 were Indians
"due to the small number of appearances of Native Americans they were excluded from further analyses."
The two most common stereotypes:
1. Primitive savage
2. Spiritual guru
Redface
Star Trek
Original Series (1966-1969) Paradise Syndrome (Season 3, Episode 3)
Next Generation (1987-1994) Journey's End (Season 7, Episode 20)
Voyager (1995-2001) Tattoo (Season 2, Episode 9)
