Director: Don Marks, Greg McIver
Native Multimedia Productions, Lynx Images Releasing. 1994. $99.95
Length: 30 minutes
Audience: Junior High and High School, Teachers
Topics: minority representation, media and racism
This production examines the issue of stereotyping from an aboriginal perspective. With the help of Native Studies scholar Emma Laroque and former First Nations chief Phil Fontaine, viewers are given the opportunity to see how books, films, television, souvenir shops, advertising and sports franchises have all played a part in constructing an image of The Indian in popular culture. As Professor Laroque points out, at least 3000 Hollywood films feature demeaning and/or dehumanizing portrayals of aboriginal peoples. The effect of such stereotyping on people within aboriginal communities and in mainstream society is considered. As well, the film is useful for stimulating discussion about racism in the media, the role language plays in stereotyping, and the compelling need for more complex and inclusive images in our highly diverse culture. Native Stereotyping would be helpful in native studies, media studies, social studies and cultural studies.
Native Stereotyping can be ordered from:
Lynx Images Releasing
104 Scollard St.
Toronto, ON M5R 1G2
Tel: (416) 925-8422
