Another Stereotype of the Month entry:
Another Stereotype of the Month entry:
"Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?" You can this Halloween! Complete her Pocahontas costume with the matching moccasins. Toddler size without beads. Polyester. Imported.
Pocahontas CostumeLovely accents include a cameo of Pocahontas on the belt, faux-fur and beads, a sheer sleeve with Pocahontas signature tattoo recreated in screen art and ribbon trim with fringe. Slip-on costume features self-stick fabric on back of neckline and belt. Complete her look with the wig, matching fringed and beaded moccasins with non-slip soles and the headpiece, necklace and Dream Stick set. Accessories Ages 3+. Toddler size without beads. Costume and moccasins polyester. Accessories polyester/plastic. Imported.
Rob's comment
Needless to say, this costumed kid doesn't resemble the real Pocahontas.
The child is wearing a typical pseudo-Indian costume. Since the real Pocahontas was reportedly a child who went topless, she probably didn't wear a stylish outfit like this.
The costume encourages the wannabe notion: that anyone can be an Indian just by changing clothes. The effect is to subtly deny the reality of Indian history. If being an Indian is just a matter of dressing up, we don't have to worry about how we've abused Indians or caused their ongoing problems. Brave, noble, and unconquered Indians will always be with us, at least in spirit, as long as we can make-believe.
Also worth noting is the "Disney Princess" section of the Disney Store. Along with the standard princesses, the banner shows Mulan and Pocahontas, neither of whom were princesses. The section doesn't appear to offer any Mulan or Pocahontas merchandise, suggesting Disney isn't sure if the pair are princesses or not.
Related links
Indian wannabes and imitators
Indian women as sex objects
Pocahontas bastardizes real people
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