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Stereotype of the Month Entry
(5/23/04)


Another Stereotype of the Month entry:

This cartoon isn't particularly offensive. It definitely isn't funny. It's here merely for repeating the same old stereotypes—the ones often seen in Herman.

Like fellow cartoonist Dan Piraro, Jim Unger loves depicting Indians as primitive people of the past. As usual, these Indians are half-naked, carry bows and arrows, and have headbands with feathers. All that's missing are the painted faces and perhaps a chief in a headdress.

As usual, there's no indication the Indians had advanced farming techniques, sophisticated religions, a firm grasp of celestial timekeeping, complex storytelling traditions, or a mastery of herbal medicines. For these cartoonists, Indians are the epitome of primitiveness and savagery.

Related links
Uncivilized Indians
Savage Indians
Native comic strips vs. comic books


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