"All the Real Indians Died Off"
And 20 Other Myths About Native Americans
Book - 2016
Unpacks the twenty-one most common myths and misconceptions about Native Americans
In this enlightening book, scholars and activists Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz and Dina Gilio-Whitaker tackle a wide range of myths about Native American culture and history that have misinformed generations. Tracing how these ideas evolved, and drawing from history, the authors disrupt long-held and enduring myths such as-
"Columbus Discovered America"
"Thanksgiving Proves the Indians Welcomed Pilgrims"
"Indians Were Savage and Warlike"
"Europeans Brought Civilization to Backward Indians"
"The United States Did Not Have a Policy of Genocide"
"Sports Mascots Honor Native Americans"
"Most Indians Are on Government Welfare"
"Indian Casinos Make Them All Rich"
"Indians Are Naturally Predisposed to Alcohol"
Each chapter deftly shows how these myths are rooted in the fears and prejudice of European settlers and in the larger political agendas of a settler state aimed at acquiring Indigenous land and tied to narratives of erasure and disappearance. Accessibly written and revelatory, "All the Real Indians Died Off" challenges readers to rethink what they have been taught about Native Americans and history.
In this enlightening book, scholars and activists Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz and Dina Gilio-Whitaker tackle a wide range of myths about Native American culture and history that have misinformed generations. Tracing how these ideas evolved, and drawing from history, the authors disrupt long-held and enduring myths such as-
"Columbus Discovered America"
"Thanksgiving Proves the Indians Welcomed Pilgrims"
"Indians Were Savage and Warlike"
"Europeans Brought Civilization to Backward Indians"
"The United States Did Not Have a Policy of Genocide"
"Sports Mascots Honor Native Americans"
"Most Indians Are on Government Welfare"
"Indian Casinos Make Them All Rich"
"Indians Are Naturally Predisposed to Alcohol"
Each chapter deftly shows how these myths are rooted in the fears and prejudice of European settlers and in the larger political agendas of a settler state aimed at acquiring Indigenous land and tied to narratives of erasure and disappearance. Accessibly written and revelatory, "All the Real Indians Died Off" challenges readers to rethink what they have been taught about Native Americans and history.
Publisher:
Boston, Massachusetts : Beacon Press, 2016
ISBN:
9780807062654
0807062650
0807062650
Branch Call Number:
970.00497 D911A 2016
Characteristics:
xi, 208 pages ; 22 cm
Additional Contributors:



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Add a CommentEach of these chapters could be an entire book on its own (and Dunbar-Ortiz and Gilio-Whitaker cite a lot of other work within each one, so if you want to learn more about any given chapter you can easily find more information), from the issues with sports teams using Native people as mascots, to the myth of Columbus’ “discovery,” to misconceptions about casinos. Dunbar-Ortiz and Gilio-Whitaker both explain the history of each myth, how and why it originated, and how it persists and impacts Native lives today.
"The myth that Indian mascots honor Native Americans, then, appears to be little more than a carefully constructed rationale to justify the maintenance of a system of domination and control."
In this short, but packed book, the authors explore (and demolish) common myths/misconceptions about Native Americans, such as "Columbus Discovered America," "Sports Mascots Honor Native Americans," and "Indian Casinos Make Them All Rich." Should be on the syllabus of all high school U.S. history classes.
This is jam-packed with information. I was slightly surprised to hear about the diversity of cultures and technologies. Very worth reading.