100642357 - Tharsika Logeswaran - Stereotyping by Omission and Decentering - Case Study Assignment

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Jan 9, 2024

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STEREOTYPING BY OMISSION AND DECENTERING 1 Stereotyping by Omission and Decentering Tharsika Logeswaran Durham College GNED 1475: First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Representation in Media and Popular Culture Robert Horton October 19, 2023

STEREOTYPING BY OMISSION AND DECENTERING 2 Stereotyping by Omission and Decentering Indigenous peoples have long been portrayed in popular culture through stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions that do not reflect the diversity and complexity of their cultures, history, and identities (Major, 2022). This assignment investigates the dilemma of stereotyping by omission and decentering in popular media, concentrating on the absence of stories about Indigenous people before European settlers arrived and their current lifestyles. The paper will identify essential parts of this difficulty, explain its historical antecedents, and examine why it is personally and professionally significant and how it contributes to Canada's ongoing Reconciliation effort. Key Elements of Stereotyping by Omission and Decentering Absence of Indigenous Pre-Colonial History: The historical narratives and cultural heritage of Indigenous communities before the arrival of Europeans are frequently disregarded in mainstream media. The exclusion of this information perpetuates the detrimental generalization that the occurrence of colonization solely defines Indigenous populations (O’Faircheallaigh, 2023). The media's failure to acknowledge the extensive pre-colonial histories of Indigenous groups contributes to the perpetuation of a misleading portrayal, which obscures their profound cultural traditions and socioeconomic systems that predate European arrival. Lack of Contemporary Representation: The mainstream media frequently fails to depict Indigenous peoples' contemporary lives and experiences. The exclusion of this information results in an imbalanced and insufficient representation of Indigenous groups, hence neglecting their continuous contributions, difficulties, and achievements in contemporary society (Berube, 2023). The perpetuation of a lack of present-day portrayal sustains a sense that Indigenous

STEREOTYPING BY OMISSION AND DECENTERING 3 communities are stagnant in time, disregarding their capacity to adapt and endure the ever- evolving nature of their cultures in the present era. Erasure of Cultural Diversity: These cultures exhibit remarkable diversity, as evidenced by various customs, dialects, and worldviews within each nation. Nevertheless, it is frequently observed that mainstream media tends to oversimplify and generalize Indigenous communities, resulting in the marginalization and loss of their multifaceted cultural heritage (Major, 2022). The media's failure to recognize these distinctions adds to an erroneous portrayal of Indigenous communities as homogenous, perpetuating the assumption that they share a consistent identity. Underrepresentation of Indigenous Achievements: This is a prevalent issue within mainstream media since it frequently fails to recognize the noteworthy accomplishments of Indigenous persons and communities. The lack of adequate representation leads to a restricted comprehension of the contributions made by Indigenous peoples in several domains, including art, science, politics, and sports (Nash, 2019). The aforementioned perspective perpetuates a detrimental narrative that downplays the significant contributions made by Indigenous communities to Canadian society, disregarding the numerous noteworthy accomplishments they have attained despite enduring historical challenges. Historical Causes of Stereotyping by Omission and Decentering The current dilemma of stereotyping by omission and decentering in popular media is firmly entrenched in the historical backdrop of colonization and the lingering effects of settler colonialism in Canada. The foundation for this issue was created by European settlers' Eurocentric worldview and their conviction in cultural and technological superiority (Berube, 2023). Understanding the historical foundations of this problem sheds light on the persistence of misrepresentations of Indigenous peoples in mainstream media.

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STEREOTYPING BY OMISSION AND DECENTERING 4 Colonial Supremacy: The establishment of colonial supremacy in North America was driven by European settlers who sought to assert their rule over Indigenous populations and their territories. To accomplish this objective, individuals involved in the process undertook a systematic approach to eliminate or relegate Indigenous cultures, languages, and histories to a subordinate position. The aforementioned process entailed deliberately silencing Indigenous narratives that diverged from the dominant colonial narrative of conquest and civilization (O’Faircheallaigh, 2023). The settlers sought dominance by portraying Indigenous communities as primitive and requiring integration into European cultural norms. The establishment of colonial authority facilitated the historical exclusion of Indigenous perspectives and perpetuated enduring stereotypes prevalent in contemporary popular culture. Eurocentric Education: The curriculum implemented in this system frequently neglected the inclusion of Indigenous history and culture, promoting a unilaterally biased perspective. The narratives and wisdom of Indigenous communities were subjected to marginalization or complete disdain (O’Faircheallaigh, 2023). The omission of Indigenous viewpoints in educational materials has significantly impacted the development of a narrow comprehension of Indigenous peoples and their experiences within the wider society. The Eurocentric education system has demonstrated a deficiency in recognizing and acknowledging the extensive historical narratives and valuable contributions made by Indigenous communities (Rodríguez et al., 2023). This failure has perpetuated preconceptions deeply entrenched in a lack of information and understanding. Dominant Narratives: The heroic image of European settlers "discovering" the New World was highly emphasized in the dominant colonial narrative, as perpetuated in literature, art, and media. Indigenous experiences, on the other hand, were often eclipsed and pushed to the

STEREOTYPING BY OMISSION AND DECENTERING 5 margins of historical histories (Berube, 2023). This emphasis on European narratives created a skewed historical view that failed to represent Indigenous peoples' diverse realities, and this resulted to Indigenous voices and stories being muted. Additionally, their rich pre-colonial histories and accomplishments were buried in favor of a settler-centric narrative. Importance of the Eastern and Southern Domains Eastern Domain: Personal Perspective From an individual perspective, it is imperative to acknowledge and tackle the issue of decentering and stereotyping through omission. Studying the pre-colonial histories and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples yields a profound transformative impact. This allows for a deeper comprehension and heightened admiration of their perseverance and the notable impact they have had on Canadian society (Rodríguez et al., 2023). Engaging in this individual pursuit of knowledge has facilitated my transformation into a more informed and compassionate member of society. Focusing on past and present injustices fosters a heightened sense of responsibility in actively contributing to constructive change and fostering reconciliation. Southern Domain: Professional Perspective The topic of stereotyping through omission and decentering aligns seamlessly with my work trajectory in the field of media and communications. As an individual aspiring to pursue a career in this field, I recognize the utmost importance of guaranteeing precise and inclusive portrayal of all societal groups. The influence of stories and narratives in the media is significant in shaping prevailing perspectives and attitudes (Nash, 2019). By actively advocating for the inclusion and amplification of Indigenous perspectives and narratives, I may effectively contribute to the transformative process of dismantling deeply ingrained misconceptions that have persisted over time.

STEREOTYPING BY OMISSION AND DECENTERING 6 A key goal is to create a more inclusive and authentic media landscape. This approach goes beyond mere inclusivity; it is about recognizing Indigenous peoples' cultural traditions and opinions (Rodríguez et al., 2023). It is important to magnify Indigenous communities' experiences, difficulties, and achievements by creating forums for their voices and stories, historically and today. Supporting Reconciliation The personal and professional commitment to addressing the challenge of stereotyping by omission and decentering in the context of Indigenous representation in media and communications plays a crucial role in advancing the process of Reconciliation in Canada. Here is how this commitment supports reconciliation: Amplifying Indigenous Voices: Amplifying Indigenous voices aligns with the fundamental idea of reconciliation, which involves acknowledging and honoring Indigenous self- determination. This commitment is demonstrated by providing platforms and opportunities that facilitate the expression and validation of Indigenous perspectives. Enabling Indigenous communities to articulate their narratives and express their unique viewpoints contributes to cultivating agency and self-representation, empowering them to exercise control over their storytelling (Major, 2022). This statement is in accordance with Call to Action #81 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which urges media and journalism programs to mandate the inclusion of educational content on the historical background and significant contributions made by Indigenous peoples for all students. Creating Inclusive and Informed Society: Diversified depiction of Indigenous groups in media contributes to developing a more inclusive and well-informed society. This enables those not identifying as Indigenous better to comprehend Indigenous cultures, history, and present-day

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STEREOTYPING BY OMISSION AND DECENTERING 7 experiences. The heightened consciousness and compassion described here serve as fundamental elements for reconciliation (Rodríguez et al., 2023). They motivate those not of Indigenous descent in Canada to actively confront the realities of the nation's colonial past, assume accountability for their contributions to it, and endorse endeavors led by Indigenous communities to foster healing and achieve justice. Supporting Cultural Preservation: The act of celebrating and authentically representing Indigenous cultures in media dismantles misconceptions and concurrently contributes to safeguarding cultural heritage (Rodríguez et al., 2023). Acknowledging the significance of cultural revival and historical preservation for Indigenous communities is crucial in reconciliation. This commitment to recognizing and honoring Indigenous traditions, languages, and worldviews supports preserving and rejuvenating cultural identities. Conclusion Stereotyping by omission and decentering is a serious contemporary problem for Indigenous peoples in Canada, with roots in colonization and Eurocentric supremacy. Understanding the historical causes of this problem and the urgency of tackling it is critical for personal and professional development. By addressing this issue, we may contribute to the continuing Reconciliation process by creating a more inclusive and authentic representation of Indigenous cultures and experiences in mainstream media.

STEREOTYPING BY OMISSION AND DECENTERING 8 References Berube, K. P. (2023). Anthropological Practices: Correcting Anthropologists’ Disregard of Contemporary Issues in Indigenous Communities (Doctoral dissertation, University of Idaho). Major, S. C. (2022). Engaging Indigenous Political Theories: Colonial Histories, Decolonial Futures, and Indigenous Political Thought in British Columbia, Canada . University of California, Berkeley. Nash, A. (2019). Indigenous peoples. In The Routledge Handbook to the History and Society of the Americas (pp. 112-124). Routledge. O’Faircheallaigh, C. (2023). Extractive Bargains and Indigenous Peoples: A Comparative Perspective. In Extractive Bargains: Natural Resources and the State-Society Nexus (pp. 51-71). Cham: Springer International Publishing. Rodríguez, N. N., Brown, M. G., Updegraff, A., & Vickery, A. (2023). Exceptionalist narratives and faceless clip art: Critically analyzing Indigenous history resources found on online curriculum marketplaces. Teaching and Teacher Education , 124 , 104009.

100642357 - Tharsika Logeswaran - Stereotyping by Omission and Decentering - Case Study Assignment

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