Stereotypes through Art
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MJ Robinson:
We have another painting at the RISD Museum with some interesting similarities and differences. This painting foregrounds the person, with details that show us about them as an individual unlike in Cole's painting where the landscape is the main focus. Think back to the Thomas Cole painting. How does this depiction compare with the depiction of the Native American person in that painting? Artwork such as these continue to play a role in shaping people's mindsets about Native American communities. Harmful stereotypes contribute to settler colonial violence against indigenous communities in the United States. We are going to hear a little bit more about one of these stereotypes.
Here's another European American painting at the RISD museum, which depicts a first encounter between Narragansett people and English settlers, including Roger Williams, founder of the colony of Rhode Island. This painting is often used in history books, even though it contains many stereotypes and inaccuracies. One of those is the myth of the vanishing native.
Hear from Narragansett Niantic educator and director of the Tomaquag Museum Lorén Spears, speaking about the myth of the vanishing Native in this painting.
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Alonzo Chappel’s painting The Landing of Roger Williams in 1636, 1857.
Instead of acknowledging the many ways that white Americans are directly responsible for the genocide of Native people, the myth of the vanishing Native makes it seem like it is just fate or that no one is particularly responsible. The myth creates challenges for Native American people today who are under pressure to prove that they, their families, and their culture still exist beyond the generic stereotypes that settler colonial mindsets want them to fit into.
take notes
Let’s return to the Cole painting to write a few new thoughts.
How could Thomas Cole’s painting perpetuate the myth of the vanishing Native? Use visual evidence to support your ideas. Type your thoughts in the box below. Click or tap save when you are finished.
