Let’s Talk About Stereotypes

Stereotype : Something conforming to a fixed or general pattern.

Now in life there are a great many stereotypes: gender, age, and race specific. Sometimes stereotypes are extremely hurtful, and other times they are humorous and true. Now of course I do not wish to offend anyone, but today I would like to address some stereotypes I’ve been accused of, or asked about when people learn I’m Native American.

Stereotype No. 1. You live in a teepee. Sorry to burst your bubble but no. I live in the burbs, and even way back in the day my people The Tsalagi lived in cabins… not Teepees.

Stereotype No. 2. You wear your hair in braids. Well this is true, not all of the time of course. But when you have crazy fly aways and loads of hair how else are you going to wear it?

I love his hair! Don’t you?

Stereotype No. 3. You put your hand in front of your mouth and go wa wa wah. OK seriously do you believe everything in the movies? If that’s the case you’re probably also looking out for that upcoming zombie invasion that’s bound to happen too.

I’ve had people do this at me. Seriously rude much?

Stereotype No. 4. You have cheek bones that won’t quit. Ok this may be more of a fact than a stereotype haha.

Wow! This man is quite gorgeous!

Stereotype No. 5. You’re a drunk. Are you kidding me? This is just as ridiculous as saying all white people are racist. So no I am no drunk.

 

Stereotype No. 6. You love turquoise. Why yes, yes I do. Basically every pow wow I go to I buy one more piece of turquoise jewelry.

 

Stereotype No. 7. You have perfectly straight black hair. If only this were true. There are the select few who actually have the most perfect head of hair you have ever seen…but the reality is most of us don’t.

*sigh* if only.

Stereotype No. 8. You can go to college for free. Yes there are scholarships but being able to prove you’re Native American does not guarantee a full ride.

 

Stereotype No. 9. You all greet by saying Hau (pronounced how). Well since we’re not all Lakota men, the answer is no. My people greet with Osiyo or with siyo, but since the elders say that siyo is the equivalent to “sup” I don’t use it, cause I’m no gangsta haha.

and clearly this guy is no “gangsta” either.

And lastly No. 10. You were mocs. Well of course, mocs could quite possibly be the most comfortable shoes in creation!

and not to mention super cute!

 I hope you all had a laugh and enjoyed this post. What are some stereotypes you’ve had people believe about you? Or even what are some stereotypes that you believed? I’d love some feedback. And as always have a Happy Monday!

 

Indian Tacos!

 So as some of you may or may not know I am of Cherokee descent, I am mostly English but I feel more Cherokee than anything, I didn’t start learning about my heritage until a few years ago, and I have been in love with the culture ever since! One thing all cultures have in common no matter where they originate is their own unique food! And let me tell you I looooove Native American food so good! My mom was wonderful enough to make some indian tacos, it consists of frybread, pinto beans, hominy relish (sounds a little out there but my word it is amazing!), ground buffalo, lettuce, tomatoes, and yogurt (takes the place of what is normally sour cream). It was so delicious!

 

 

Native American.

 So as of a couple of years now I have been rediscovering my own heritage, I am a quarter Cherokee, but as Agitsi (my mom) describes it you can’t be a little Cherokee, either you are or you are not. So with this information I finally felt confident enough to start learning the culture. I have learned how to cook typical reservation recipes, make pinch pots, some of the language, and my absolute favorite I learned how to make double wall baskets! I have never really been into crafts, but this goes beyond crafts its a tradition. To feel so connected to the past is a beautiful thing, to look back and learn from those who came before us so we can make the world a better place for those that will go beyond us. So at the close of this post I urge you to learn where you came from, so you can pass this knowledge on, after all the only ones that can make history are the ones that care to tell about it.