ANTH 23 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Russell Means, Indian Reorganization Act, Reconsideration Of A Motion
Document Summary
Anth 23 lecture 17 american indians and the politics of ethnic identity. Best to use name of tribe, but not always possible. Native american: not specific because anyone born in western hemisphere is native to it; most tribes have myths about migrating from elsewhere. American indian: inaccurate, but some like it because it puts american" first, has clear historical roots, highlights incompetence of european conquerors: most popular among indians themselves. Taking back offensive words: 1995 census survey 49% preferred american indian, 37% native american, 5% no preference, 4% something else. Can be self-identified or ascribed by others. Among indians, self-identification often needs to be recognized by tribe to be legitimate. Some content only those who grew up on reservation real indians. Increase in identifying as indian, debate about authenticity underlines socially constructed and structurally contingent nature of ethnicity. Answers: urbanization, education, political activism led to increased sense of ethnic pride and increased likelihood of identification.
