Introduction: Constructing the Indian, 1830s–1990s

Bird, S. Elizabeth

doi:10.4324/9780429500909-1

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Stereotypes of White supremacy were further bolstered in the Colonial Period by manufactured stereotypes of Native Americans as uncivilized, violent, “bloodthirsty savages,” which served to legitimize the violence and genocide White colonizers perpetrated upon them and limited the sense of empathy and concern that the White public might feel on their behalf (Burkley et al., 2017; Dai et al., 2021; Davis‐Delano et al., 2021; Eason et al., 2020; Fitzgerald, 2010, 2013; Journell, 2009; McKay et al., 2020; Miller & Ross, 2004; Shear et al., 2015; Weston, 1996). In addition to the centuries of genocidal violence and land theft rationalized by dehumanizing images of Native Americans, the savage stereotype was also used to legitimize cultural genocide through the seizure and cultural indoctrination of generations of Native American children in White‐run boarding schools—arguing these schools were “civilizing” them (Bird, 1996; Mihesuah, 1996). Over time cultural narratives and media (e.g., Last of the Mohicans) have erased and recast the horrific atrocities perpetrated against Native Americans to be much more innocuous (Eason et al., 2020; Fryberg & Eason, 2017; Hilger, 2015; Kilpatrick, 1999; Kurtiş et al., 2010; Trump, 2020).…”

Section: The Colonial Periodmentioning

confidence: 99%

The construction of racial stereotypes and how they serve as racial propaganda

Melson-Silimon

Spivey

Skinner-Dorkenoo

2023

Social & Personality Psych

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In social psychology, stereotypes have generally been viewed as overgeneralized beliefs about social groups in society. Although stereotypes—especially those that are negative—tend to be recognized as contributing to prejudice and discrimination of marginalized communities, they are often conceptualized as containing a “kernel of truth.” Meanwhile, there has been relatively little consideration of the historical and cultural origins of racial stereotypes. This is an important oversight given that stereotypes have and continue to be used as a means to excuse and reinforce the systemic oppression of communities of color. Thus, the current paper uses a historical framework to review major stereotypes that have targeted communities of color throughout U.S. history, with a focus on stereotypes of Black people. In doing so, we conceptualize racial stereotypes as propaganda that have historically functioned to support oppressive societal systems in the U.S. by both (a) shaping public perceptions and expectations and (b) by influencing the thoughts and behavior of members of stereotyped groups. By situating stereotypes within their historical and cultural frames, readers can recognize the way stereotypes reinforce systems of oppression. We conclude with research implications and encourage stereotyping scholars to foreground the social construction of stereotypes and the function that they serve by contextualizing their work in the social and historical context in which stereotypes emerged.

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