I’ve never been to a casino. Through literature and miscellaneous other medias, I’ve come to understand that Native Americans are known to own a few casinos. Not specifically as to why they do, just that there was some relevance to them being stereotyped as casino owners. Now that I have a little more background on the subject, I began paying attention to what I actually know about casinos.
My only understanding of casinos, before reading this passage, was they were built to overwhelm the senses and capture ones attention. Thereby, allowing the victim to spend time and money, almost completely unabashed. There were some details specific to the Foxwoods Casino that I was not prepared for. Example, the incorporation of imagery that was directly linked to the Pequot peoples’ experience with the colonists of New England. To me, it would have just been a nice taste of the culture from long ago. However, for the Pequot tribe, it was a representation of the people who had ripped their land from underneath them. Another piece that caught me off guard when I read it, was the use of the glass warrior statue.
I am not familiar with the intricacies of the Pequot people, as far as their physical traits, clothing, or other seemingly trivial things. Their use of a stereotypical warrior- without a Mashantucket prominent bread, facial features, hair, or skin- really made me aware of their miserable situation. They are a proud people, who have willing embraced a stereotype, putting their own uniqueness on a shelf, to entertain the preconceived notions of the dominant culture.
It is sad to see a group of people become so hidden. Even with such a rich culture and history, they have still put their identity second to making money. However, all of the members had a say in the building and decorations incorporated. So I guess is it safe to say that they Pequot people don’t share the same sentiment.
Discussion questions
1) Has the Pequot tribe lost their native roots in owning this casino, or has the nature of their intention created a new Pequot tribe?
2) Would they have been as profitable if they employed a non-stereotypical décor for their casino?
3) Can there be a simultaneous proud, but hidden, identity, while sporting the dominant image of what you should be?
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