Native Americans have been viewed in a negative light ever since 1492. With Columbus’ first voyage to what he believed was the East Indies people have viewed Native Americans as bloodthirsty savages of an inferior race. These stereotypes have been passed on ever since through mediums such as the still image, novels, films, mascots, and cartoons; I believe that they have been perpetuated by a culture of ignorance in which no one cares to learn the truth. The modern world has made next to no attempt to write these incorrect views and have away with the stereotypes. Early European images of Native Americans tell us more about Europe’s world view, how they see themselves, and hardly anything about true native life. Originally, Native Americans
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Cooper spent most of his life in Cooperstown, NY but joined the Merchant Navy (1806-1811). He traveled Europe extensively and also attended Yale. The Last of the Mohicans takes place during the French and Indian War (known as the Seven Years War in Europe). The war took place over the colonies between the British and the French with their Indian allies. The novel introduced a few well known indian stereotypes to this world. For example, there was the bloodthirsty and noble indian- Magua and Uncas/Chingachgook. Magua is the drunk indian, bloodthirsty, and out for revenge. Alcohol was introduced and Magua soon became addicted. The once great chief was driven from his tribe; an act that was initiated by the English Colonel Monroe. This act set a fire of hatred in Magua and led many of his later actions. The noble indians, Uncas/Chingachgook, was solemn, levelheaded, and attuned to nature. The ‘white indian’ is also introduced. Natty Bumppo (Hawkeye), who makes it clear that he has no indian blood, is as indian as they come. He is not better at everything as the white indian stereotype later comes to describe, but I believe that he is the basis for idea. The novel isn’t known for its use of stereotyping, but is known for creating this these
Cooper spent most of his life in Cooperstown, NY but joined the Merchant Navy (1806-1811). He traveled Europe extensively and also attended Yale. The Last of the Mohicans takes place during the French and Indian War (known as the Seven Years War in Europe). The war took place over the colonies between the British and the French with their Indian allies. The novel introduced a few well known indian stereotypes to this world. For example, there was the bloodthirsty and noble indian- Magua and Uncas/Chingachgook. Magua is the drunk indian, bloodthirsty, and out for revenge. Alcohol was introduced and Magua soon became addicted. The once great chief was driven from his tribe; an act that was initiated by the English Colonel Monroe. This act set a fire of hatred in Magua and led many of his later actions. The noble indians, Uncas/Chingachgook, was solemn, levelheaded, and attuned to nature. The ‘white indian’ is also introduced. Natty Bumppo (Hawkeye), who makes it clear that he has no indian blood, is as indian as they come. He is not better at everything as the white indian stereotype later comes to describe, but I believe that he is the basis for idea. The novel isn’t known for its use of stereotyping, but is known for creating this these