P i n k • F e m i n i s t

I recently saw some old sepia pictures of Native American women. These were beautifully rendered, but often historical and contemporary stereotypes of Native American Indian women have resulted in inaccurate and/or insensitive images.

There seems to be a divide, a schism in their portrayal. Mass media, movies, and printed materials frequently continue to portray Native American Indian women as either princesses or savages.

There is often little middle ground.

Native American Indian women are often affected by myths and stereotypes that are spread by the media, popular literature, and movies.

The "Pocahontas paradox" represents a dilemma for Native American Indian women. This historical movement has persisted in both the romanticization and vilification of Native American Indian women.

In this movement from political symbolism (where the Indian women defended America in the early 1600s), to psychosexual symbolism (where she defends or dies for White lovers), we can see part of the Indian woman's dilemma.

To be "good," she must defy her own people, exile herself, become White, and perhaps suffer death. This sets up an understandable cultural dilemma.

Although there are tremendous variations in Native American Indian tribes and nations, the traditional perspectives of Native American Indian women can be generalized. Generally, Native American Indian women value being mothers and rearing healthy families; spiritually, they are considered to be extensions of the Spirit Mother and continuators of their people; socially, they serve as transmitters of cultural knowledge and caretakers of children and relatives.

A woman's identity in traditional Native American Indian life is ultimately rooted in her spirituality, extended family, and tribe.

They see themselves in harmony
with the biological, spiritual, and social worlds.

A traditional Cheyenne saying is that a nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Native American Indian women have struggled to keep their hearts off the ground by being strong.