Having grown up in a state (South Dakota) with several Indian reservations, I have long been aware of the connection between reservations and casinos. However, I have never once thought about the symbolism and identify issues wrapping up in them.
I found the contradictions discussed in our reading particularly interesting. While there is a strong desire for the Pequots to reestablish their unique identity true to their history, they have certainly played into the mainstream (majority) generic, Hollywood view of Native Americans. I have to wonder was conforming to this stereotypical image a necessity for success or simply an easier path to pursue. In other words would the casino have done as well/been as attractive had they attempted to portray a story/image more accurate to their own history? Or is success rooted in adhering to and following an image others have partially created for them?
Another thing that jumped out at me was how yet again the issue of wording came up. The reading cites the contrasting use of “settlement” versus “grant” in relations to land negotiations. This was something also discussed in the documentary “When the Levies Broke” in reference to the media calling Katrina victims “refugees” versus a term more indicative of US citizens. In both cases, the minority group took offense (or at least disliking) to the terms selected by the majority. Having thought more about it, I’ve realized the significance of word selection. Whether we realize it or not, often times things are framed in a certain light simply by a word's associated negative and or positive connotation. We may not even mean to perpetuate these feelings/judgments; it simply the terms/phrases that have been long ago coined for various situations. It's scary to think how wording can continue to perpetuate connotations decades or even centuries down the road.
2. Where else do you see identity contradictions simiar to the Pequots?
The native american stereo type has been formed by the western movies. Where the indians are the bad guys.
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