Indian Comics Irregular #29

On April 4, Howard Stern's half-hour cable show, "Son of the Beach,"
went where no show dares to go. It presented an episode called "Love,
Native-American Style" laced with almost every Native stereotype
imaginable. These included "classic" stereotypes--smoke signals, war
drums, "funny" Indian names, a scantily-clad maiden, feather bonnets,
buckskins, war paint, dancing in a circle, teepees, tomahawks--as
well as more recent stereotypes such as junk-strewn land and an
Indian crying at the ruination of nature.

The plot revolves around a band of Indians living near the show's
Malibu-adjacent setting. After giving their land to a greedy casino
developer, the Indians realize they've made a mistake. They learn
their connection to the land is more important than short-term
profits.

When analyzing Stern's schtick, one must take his alleged aims into
consideration. He claims to satirize everyone, to point out their
foibles and flaws, without regard for their race or religion. In his
mind, he's overturning politically correct idols.

But one Native woman who saw the show said, "It was disgusting how he
portrayed the Indians. It made me sick." That has to be the bottom
line. If people don't "get" that Stern is making fun of the
stereotypes--if indeed he is--his efforts are a waste of time.
Hurting people intentionally is rarely justified, and this isn't one
of those occasions.

If Stern's stereotyping of Native people is debatable, his
stereotyping of women and gays is merely deplorable. For the full
review of the show, go to
http://members.xoom.com/peaceparty/stertype.htm.

"Lakota, an Illustrated History"

In 1996 Treasure Chest Publications put out a comic book-style
paperback on the Lakota. It was by Sergio MacEdo and--not
surprisingly given its title--illustrated Lakota history. I don't
know much about it, but you can find it at Amazon.com and other book
sites.

Elian and "El Dorado"

Are these arguments about media stereotyping irrelevant to real life?
Naturally, I say no. Consider the most overhyped news story of the
year: Elian Gonzalez.

What possible connection could Elian have to "The Road to El Dorado,"
you ask? Just this: There's a direct line from the evil priest in
the movie to the allegedly child-sacrificing, not-quite-human Fidel
Castro. As we've done for centuries, we demonize that which we don't
understand.

Stereotyping other cultures is an example of monocultural thinking.
The conservative view of Castro is similarly myopic. When we learn to
see the world in shades of gray, not black and white, we'll make
progress toward real solutions, not sound bites.

For reactions to "El Dorado," including those of a man who claims the
Aztecs were murdering "animals," go to
http://members.xoom.com/peaceparty/eldorado.htm.

New Story, Stores

In keeping with my commitment to publish PEACE PARTY, I've posted
another new story online. You can read it at
http://members.xoom.com/peaceparty/contents.htm. I plan to add a new
story or feature at least every other month until we're in print
again.

Meanwhile, we received an order from the Book Barn in Joplin, Mo.,
and a BIG order (100 copies) from the Gawehniyoh Gallery in
Deckerville, Mich. Thanks, people. If you happen to be in the area,
check out these fine establishments in person.

Rob Schmidt
Blue Corn Comics

P.S. We need more stereotypes for our Native American Stereotype of
the Month contest. For details visit
http://members.xoom.com/peaceparty/stertype.htm.