A much-needed
deconstruction of stereotypes and attitudes about indigenous peoples
in North America that continue to distort society's view of Native
Americans and contribute to the continued oppression thereof.
From the publisher:
“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.”
