Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Publication Date

5-3-1977

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the portrayal of American Indian characters found in children’s fictional literature. It sought to determine the kinds of characteristics most commonly attributed to American Indians in children’s stories; wether or not misinformation was present; wether or not stereotypes were used; and whether or not there were any changes in characterizations related to time periods. Differences in portrayals by Indian and non-Indian authors and by experienced and less experiences authors were also investigated.

Five hundred and four American Indian characters from 401 children’s fictional stories published between the years 1900 and 1972 were analyzed using the technique of content analysis.

Findings were recorded using thirty-five descriptive variables and ninety verbal stereotypes. The variables included author and bibliographical information, role in the story, information regarding locale, physical traits, status, factors related to the material culture, attitudes toward nature and animals, attitudes toward people, approval or disapproval by others, goals, the use of language, items, of misinformation, and tribal affiliations.

The investigation revealed that the portrayal of American Indian characters in children’s fictional literature followed certain defineable trends. The majority of characters were placed in a traditional setting during an unknown time period; played a major role in the story; did not have a specified role type; lived in wigwams prior to the establishment of reservations; were male, school age children; wore traditional clothing; ate traditional foods; approved of family members and peers; disapproved of non-Indians; were perceived favorably by their families and/or peers; and had a goal of achievement. Many characters were not described at all in terms of their physical features, occupations, status, handicrafts, ceremonials, recreational activities, property ownership, means of transportation, attitudes toward nature, and attitudes toward animals. Of those that were described, the majority had brown skin and black hair, were hunters, danced, rode horse back, owned bows and arrows, viewed nature as a part of their religion, and perceived of animals as being necessary for providing food and clothing. The descriptions of 115 characters contained some type of obvious misinformation. Among the most common descriptive stereotypes used were intelligent, alert, loyal to family, kind, superstitious, and traditional.

Ethnicity of the author and author familiarity with Indian culture were shown to have an effect on how Indian characters were portrayed. Differences in character portrayals were also noted according to the period of time in which the stories were written.

It was the researcher’s conclusion that most writers of children’s fictional literature need to provide a more accurate portrayal of their American Indian characters. There is also a need for more children’s books to be authored by Indian people.

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Miles Vernon Zintz

Second Committee Member

Illegible

Third Committee Member

David Wayne Darling

Fourth Committee Member

Richard D. Van Dongen

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