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Opinion
Suzan Harjo: Girl-empowerment for Indian Country


"Have you noticed the blonde-versus-blonde smackdown on music video channels and radio stations over the past year? The current installment is ''Stupid Girls'' by Pink, who parodies Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and other Barbies, and calls out those wannabe celebs who worship them.

Yes, I know it's an intra-tribal thing among young white women, but it's instructive for Native girls and women, too. After all, we do live in the same world.

As Pink's song encourages girls to be themselves and give up plastic role models, think Pocahontas (the fictional character, not the historical figure) and the mythical Cherokee princess and the cartoon butter maiden.

As she sings of the ''stupid girls'' who roll over and play dumb, strive to be size zero and long to be famous, think of the young women who are on some payrolls in Indian country for the convenience of politicians, and the girls who want to be just like them. "

Get the Story:
For smart Indian women who ain't no holla back girls (Indian Country Today 4/14)

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