Category Archives: american indian

Science of Mixed Messages

Received a thoughtful comment from a reader about the mixed messages we receive in light of Nike’s campaign to promote Oscar Pistorius as a weapon, warrior and “bullet in the chamber.” The campaign hit a concrete wall when Pistorius’ girlfriend … Continue reading

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Zen of Science

In class we talk about bias. I’ve spent more time talking about bias in classrooms than I did as a full-time writer and editor. As a working journalist, we never talked about bias—we just did our job of reporting. Fairly. … Continue reading

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Grasping the Exotic

A friend once accused academics like me, who, aloft from our ivory towers, offer up criticism without solving problems. Point taken. Vocabulary used in academic writing is annoying, a nod to a coterie of snobs speaking a private language. Readings … Continue reading

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Indians in Paris

I didn’t see it at first. American Retro begged for a second glance when I noticed the storefront decor was laced with geometric Indian designs. Exterior windows painted with golden arrows were reminiscent of a Pendleton blanket. Could be Southwest. … Continue reading

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Scientific Innovation? Who Says?

While flipping though the latest Smithsonian magazine I paused at the following statement: “It is no exaggeration to say that America was founded on innovation.” Having spent November steeped in American Indian ways-of-knowing (I pledged to write each day about … Continue reading

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Brewhaha

The French call it Basse Classe. Low class. That’s what went through my noggin when I heard that Donald Trump threw a fit because a Scottish neighbor refused to bow down to Trump’s exploitive needs.

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Would You Think Twice about Blackface?

This week Charlotte of Monaco donned American Indian garb at an equestrian show in France, channeling Native spirits of yesteryear. The theme was the American West. So: if the theme was the Civil War, might Charlotte show up in blackface? … Continue reading

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Fake Indians in France

We spent the weekend curled up by the fire, sipping coffee and searching for French hotels and phrase-books in preparation for our trip to Paris. When my honey reaches for a cup or the soap, he asks me to translate … Continue reading

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Onward

Although today marks the end of American Indian Heritage Month there’s no end to the issues confronting indigenous peoples and I will continue to share my thoughts about topics—some critical, some lighthearted—from an Indian lens. My argument during American Indian … Continue reading

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Indian Humor

Sure, Indians have a sense of humor. Just ask Ryan Red Corn. Red Corn, a fellow Osage with Renaissance qualities—graphic artist, filmmaker and improv actor—has created videos that highlight Indian humor and is a member of the 1492s, an Indian … Continue reading

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