Blue Corn Comics -- Stereotype of the Month Entry

Stereotype of the Month Entry
(1/16/05)

Unlike many Bizarros, this one isn't too bad. It's here because of the accretion of several small, questionable stereotypes.

The problems don't include the main joke: confusing two kinds of "rugs." Navajo rugs aren't sacred and this cartoon makes a legitimate pun about them. It may not be funny, but it's the kind of humor common in many cultures, including Indian cultures.

The problems do include:

The teepee: Although a few roadside stands use teepees to symbolize Indians, most don't. It's not clear if artist Dan Piraro knows the teepee is out of place and is using it anyway.

The Indian's name: A few roadside stands might use the phony name "Roadside Bear," but most wouldn't. Again, it's not clear if Piraro knows the name is out of place and is using it anyway.

The Indian's hat and vest: The hat and vest comprise a semi-traditional outfit for a Navajo...except it hasn't been commonplace for decades. Piraro routinely uses this outfit to symbolize a modern Indian.

The Indian's braid: It's hard to tell in the small drawing to the right, but in the enlargment to the left, the Navajo has a braid. Since most Navajo men don't wear braids, this adds to the idea that this Indian is old-fashioned, not modern.

The Indian's nose: It's bigger than the Caucasians' noses.

By itself, one of these semi-stereotypes might not be enough to make this cartoon stereotypical. It's possible to justify any of them with the "some Indians and Indian locations look like this" argument. But taking all of them together, I find this cartoon to be more stereotypical than not.

* More opinions *

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