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Another Stereotype of the Month entry:
On Wed, 11 Oct 2000 22:21:56 EDT, ironnatives@egroups.com wrote:
Dear People:
I am hoping that someone out there can help the men at Indiana State Prison. Last night a friend of mine called, very upset. The Prison is again harassing the Native American Indian circle. It seems someone accused those in the circle of smoking pot in the ceremonial pipe. This is not the truth.
Father Paul, who is at this time the spiritual leader for the circle, has written a letter to the warden stating that at no time were the men smoking anything but the traditional ceremonial tobacco.
The men in the circle are now subjected to urineTests and also losing their jobs and being transferred into D cell house which is where those in corrective action go.
Indiana State Prison has continually given the Native American circle a hard time. IF you know of anyone that we can ask for help in this matter please let me know. I will be talking with my friend this week end. Any help that you can give will be most appreciated by these men.
Walk always in truth and love
Judi
Rob's comment
The stereotypical belief that Native prisoners must be smoking pot if they use pipes derives from the larger stereotype that Native religions are a matter of primitive, superficial ceremonies—dancing, chanting, waving a feather around—and not deeply held, sophisticated beliefs.
Related links
"Primitive" Indian religion
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