Clara Caufield. Photo from Native News Project / University of Montana School of Journalism
Tackling Indian stereotypes by sharing inspirational examples
By Clara Caufield It gives me joy to write stories about Indian people including men and women, young and old, who are accomplishing remarkable things, most often in a quiet and humble way. Though the current politically correct term is Native American, but I choose to use Indian because I agree with my 77 year old uncle, Leroy Whiteman who says: “I was born an Indian and think I will stay one.” Elsewhere in this issue you will read about Michelle Walking Bear, Crow tribal member who cuts quite a swath in the Ladies break-away roping event in Indian and open rodeos. Over the years it has been my privilege to meet, interview and write stories about so many Indian people who are shining stars in their chosen fields. Many have been Northern Cheyenne, simply because that is where I live and am most likely to meet them. But, every Tribe has such stars including our good friends the Sioux and our neighbors, friends and relatives - the Crow. Yes, I do mean to say that about our traditional adversaries, the “big black birds” because we share common grandchildren. While interviewing and writing about Indians who excel I find they all have one thing in common - humility. Michelle is an example, not quite sure about being interviewed and cast into the media limelight. “My Grandmother told me not to brag about myself,” she explained. “She always told me that other people will know who you are and what you are doing. That is good enough.” “Michelle,” I explained. “In the story I will write, you will not brag on yourself. I and others will. That is okay.” Because this amazing cowgirl once had a bad media experience with the National Geographic which ran a colorful feature story about Crow horseman, misquoting her in the process, she was doubtful. But when I explained my unorthodox journalist style, she relented. I am just a scribbler who likes to write stories with unusual method: first comes the interview where I madly jot notes, hoping to make sense of them later; second comes the draft story; third comes the review and editing in full partnership with the “subject." I always explain some simple things: accuracy, especially for quotes is important; I want the "subject" and family to feel comfortable (possibly happy) with the story and most important I do not want to offend. After all, I will live with these people and will face their families for the rest of my life. Such is not the case with non-Indian journalists who can hit-and-run for a feel-good or sensational story. I don’t print or submit feature stories about individuals without their full approval. I also reminded Michelle that stories about people like her, printed in A Cheyenne Voice, Native Sun News and possibly the internet through forums like indianz.com serve a much larger purpose. They help counter the pervasive stereotypes about Indians. As we know, stereotypes about Indians or Native Americans still run strong in this country and the world, a gamut from the drunken welfare bum to the noble, the stoical image or romantic savage, promoted by major media. Personally, I find it hard to be noble and romantic, though sometimes, in spite of myself, rise to that level. (Jokes). Often these stereotypes are perpetrated by major media. For example, the Billings Gazette, largest newspaper in Montana most often caters to the negative and sensational news coverage of Montana Indian people. It occasionally features a phenomenal Indian athlete or the annual colorful pow wow photo, but otherwise focuses on tribal government scandals and the criminal rap sheet, Indians often front and center. Michelle’s wonderful story generally would not interest that large state-wide newspaper. I discussed their Indian-oriented media style with the editor of the Billings Gazette in person a few years back and although he (then new to Montana) hoped for some change, I have not seen much. Neither am I interested in writing for them anymore after they took some of my story ideas and developed them with a very negative slant. In contrast, Michelle’s story and others like it are of great interest to A Cheyenne Voice and the Native Sun News. We understand that achievers like her can be inspirational to other young Indian people and make the rest of us very proud. “Oh my gosh!” Michelle exclaimed. “That is what I am trying to do by encouraging other young ones. I have been through many personal problems, but got over them with the support of other Indians whom I admire.” When Michelle and her mother Marlene, a dear personal friend for forty years, understood my ground rules, they became engaged in the story, suggesting additional insights. I even had to say “Michelle, we have a word limit.” Long story short: stories about Indians who accomplish great things are very important to all other Indians and to the audience of non-Indian readers who understand that we are more than one or two dimensional stereotypes. Thank you Native Sun News for helping spread the word. And thank you to Michelle and others for allowing us to share your stories. I am only the word smith, a tool to relate the stories. You make the stories because you live them. You inspire us all. (Clara Caufield can be reached at: acheyennevoice@gmail.com.) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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