AMERICAN INDIANS: Stereotypes & Realities

AMERICAN INDIANS: Stereotypes & Realities Review

American Indians: Stereotypes & Realities by Devon A. Mihesuah is an excellent introductory work on the myths and stereotypes surrounding America's original inhabitants. This book is a quick read and is fairly well written. Mihesuah cuts to the chase and lays down what is right and what is wrong with "Euro-American" perspectives on indigenous culture in simple terms. As another reviewer has mentioned, she does come off as condescending and at times utterly hostile; but in the many instances that this occurs, it seems to be the only avenue in getting a serious point across. I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars if it weren't for the poor editing and minor instances of overt and inappropriate hostility. There are numerous typos, misspellings and grammar mistakes that makes this scholarly work less than scholarly. I would recommend reading this book with other supplementary material in order to gain a solid introductory foundation on the subject of the American Indian. “Mihesuah’s work should be required reading for elementary and upper level teachers, college instructors and parents. Let us hope it finds a wide readership in mainstream circles.” Joel Monture, Multicultural Review “Professor Mihesuah goes beyond simply providing responses to common stereotypes. She provides the reader with assistance in efforts to improve understanding of her peoples... a valuable contribution in bringing greater clarity to important issues.” Alejandro Garcia, Journal of Multicultural Social Work “Devon Mihesuah has provided precious insight into the racial identity and cultural struggles of American Indians... I applaud Devon Mihesuah for successfully confronting the literature of false portrayal and negative images of Indian people.” Dr. Donald L. Fixico, Professor of History Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo (Shawnee, Sac & Fox, Creek, Seminole) “A good sourcebook for dispelling misconceptions and negative stereotypes about American Indians. These beliefs and attitudes exist and these statements are made in academic settings. It is fortunate that there are professors like Devon Mihesuah in classrooms to present the “other side”, perhaps only once in the lifetime of some students...” Dr. Karen Swisher, Director, Center for Indian Education Arizona State University (Standing Rock Sioux) “This book will be a very useful reader for anyone truly trying to understand who American Indians really are. There is no other book on Indian images that provides the Indian “voice” that Devon maintains throughout the text.” Dr. Duane Champagne, Director UCLA American Indian Studies Center Editor, American Indian Culture and Research Journal (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) “Devon Mihesuah is one of the most gifted Native American scholars in the country today.” Robert A. Williams, Jr., Professor of Law University of Arizona, Tucson (Lumbee) “Amusing and a helpful guide to general readers not that familiar with the national Indian community” Dr. Terry P. Wilson, Native American Studies University of California, Berkeley (Potawatomie)