Foreign Languages & Literatures ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-15-2017

Abstract

This work analyzes the evolution of the depiction of Native Americans in Francophone graphic novels from Belgium, Switzerland and France, from the 1930s to our present era. The axis around which the comics are organized is the Lakota Medicine Wheel, which, along with works by N.A. scholars, constitutes the basis of the theoretical framework. In this way, the work is guided by a truly multicultural and interethnic approach. The deliberate choice of a span of more than 80 years wishes to show how such depiction evolved and how its observation can bring healing from the mistreatment and misrepresentation experienced by Native Americans. For trauma to be healed, it needs to be addressed, and the intent of this work is to show that healing can be brought through a more accurate, respectful and humble representation and interaction, which represents a step in the direction of building a real bridge between Indigenous and Western views.

Keywords

Francophone comics, Representations of Native Americans, Medicine Wheel, Healing, Mistreatment and Misrepresentation, Interethnic dialogue

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures

First Committee Member (Chair)

Katrin Schröter

Second Committee Member

Stephen Bishop

Third Committee Member

Gregory Cajete

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