[CALIBK12] "Red Indians" - one more look

[ladewig]

RE: Our discussion of the term "red Indians" (back in October, see original
post below) - I spotted an advertisement in Boys' Life (June 2007) p.15,
depicting a Cherokee Indian in full-body red paint. I wasn't sure if this
was an authentic representative/representation, so I went to the website
(below) and scrolled down to the Warriors of AniKituhwa.

 

http://www.cherokee-nc.com/p_press_room.html

The Warriors of AniKituhwa

 

You will see that this site which is apparently sponsored and/or endorsed by
the Cherokee of North Carolina features pictures of several persons in full
red body paint (and we're talking really red here folks!). I can understand
why some tribes would be offended by the term "red Indians" but if the
Cherokee and perhaps others (still) paint themselves in full-body red paint,
what are we to make of that? I didn't see any explanation of why they used
red paint (except that it was a sacred color), or why it was used as
full-body paint. I certainly can't condemn anyone from using the term "red
Indian" in a general sense after viewing this. Having seen this, I would not
feel badly about using the book "Hailstones and Halibut Bones." Of course,
if the term was used to specifically to denigrate them or as a racial
epithet, that's different. Perhaps Debbie Reese, who is now posting to this
listserv, will give us some input.

 

Joanne Ladewig  (A.K.A. "Library Lady")

Library Media Tech

Lawrence Elementary, GGUSD

Garden Grove, California

shatz at verizon.net

 

Comments are my own and may not represent the views of GGUSD

 

Previous post of Oct. 14, 2007:

Kathy Shepler posted: "I really like "Hailstones and Halibut Bones" so much,
especially the newer all-color edition. That is why it pains me to keep it
off my Bookfair list or recommended books for use in poetry unit list. The
only objection I have is the continued reference to a "red Indian" in the
list of color red things. I simply can't endorse using it. I was so
disappointed when the new edition did not edit it out."

 

Her post got me to thinking (always a dangerous and potentially explosive
endeavor <wink> !) about the association between the term "red" and Indians.
Those of us over 50 probably grew up with (as I did) terms of color
referring to races. While now that may immediately bring forth negative
associations, that wasn't necessarily the case in our childhood. I'm sure
plenty of us recall singing the song "Jesus Loves the Little Children" in
Sunday School - the song includes the words ". . . all the children of the
world, red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. . .
. " etc. (and in the '80s the word "brown" was added to include the many
Hispanic children) - the church was reiterating that ALL are "precious in
His sight" as well as continuing to promote missionary work. My point here
is that not every reference to color is/was intended to be negative. 

 

I decided to google the words "Indians" and "red". I learned something new,
and thought many of you would like to know a bit more as well. It may not
answer Kathy's dilemma with "Hailstones and Halibut Bones," (and I would
like to read what others think about "amending" old works when new editions
come out - is it amending/updating or censoring?) but it is an interesting
bit of information about how the color red became associated with specific
Native Americans:

 

>From this site: http://www.geocities.com/bigorrin/beothuk_kids.htm :

 

Why were Beothuks called "Red Indians?" Was their skin red?
It wasn't really red, but the Beothuks painted their bodies and clothing
with red ochre paint*. Many Indians used red ochre as an insect repellant,
but the Beothuks considered red a sacred color and wore it all year long.
Neighboring tribes called them the Red People, and the Europeans called them
Red Indians. 
Aren't other tribes Red Indians too?
Some Europeans started using "Red Indians" to refer to all Native Americans,
not just the Beothuk tribe. Other tribes strongly dislike this term, though.
They consider "Red Indian" a racial insult, and prefer to be called American
Indians, Native Americans, or First Nations.

 

>From this site: http://www.native-languages.org/kidfaq.htm :

 

"It's better to avoid using "Red Indian," for two reasons: first, this name
originally referred to a specific tribe, the Beothuks
<http://www.native-languages.org/beothuk.htm> , who painted their bodies and
faces with red ochre. So it may cause confusion if you use it to refer to
all Native Americans. Second, the term "Red Indians" has been used by
racists in the United States, so using it may hurt somebody's feelings or
give them the wrong impression. Please do not call native people "savages,"
"primitives" or "redskins." Those are always rude words."

**********************************

*Anthropological note: Many ancient cultures used "red ochre" in their
burial customs. Google "red ochre burial" and see just how wide spread the
custom was. 

*************************

http://www.mun.ca/rels/native/beothuk/beo2gifs/texts/howley17.html This site
is from 1914, an essay entitled: THE BEOTHUCKS OR RED INDIANS:
THE ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS OF NEWFOUNDLAND

 

http://www.the-wild-west.co.uk/ Great example of a POORLY phrased and very
condescending (but initially attractive) site! Note that this is a
commercial site and originates in the UK. 

 

 

 

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