Representations of Injuns

Representations can be a trick subject to delve into.  In a recent post of mine, I try to explain the time-bound nature of certain representations and how the discursive materials available can shape these representations.  When I'm given the decision to choose which representation is better, Redskins or American Indian, I end up leaning towards American Indian.  While I'm not entirely offended by the term Redskin, I  can understand how there are negative connotations associated with the term due to its racial nature.  I also feel that there are negative implications of terms such as "Native American", which as PTJ highlighted in class, can connote a primitive nature of the American Indians.  There potentially is even a literature base that opposes the term "American Indian".  Regardless, I feel that representations are a serious issue but can sometimes be falsely associated with a malicious nature.

In the context of the Redskins, there has been consistent controversy from the issue that has even reached the Supreme Court twice.  Certain Native American parties believe that the term is rooted in insensitivity towards their people.  This is understandable since the history of the word does seem to be correlated with racism.  Interestingly, Sports Illustrated and University of Pennsylvania conducted comprehensive polls that indicated that a majority of Native Americans found the term acceptable.  This seems to me to indicate that the oppressive power of the word, from which it was originally founded upon, has gone away over time.  The word may be rooted in racism, the implications in a generally more sensitive period have been decreased.  This made me think about the concept of reappropriation in which terms such as "nigger, queer, faggot, tree hugger, redneck" etc., have been used by the discriminated groups as a method of disempowering the negative connotations of the words.  It seems to me that representations can sometimes be based upon the mindset behind these terms.  Yes, all of these terms are rooted in in racist history and yes, they are used presently in racist ways, but movements and forums that disempower the effectiveness of these words exist.  I do believe that representations are extremely important and can be used to marginalize populations.  Additionally, I do feel that discourse has the ability to shape reality.  I'm just curious as to whether a mindset shift and/or an actual policy proposal is necessary to address these issues.

I feel that the flawed representations of lolcats is another area of controversy which is a vital issue to discuss: