The book actually began as an animated short by Walt Disney in the 1930's and the story was later published as a "Little Golden Book" and is called either "Hiawatha" or "Little Hiawatha". It was also published as a record and book that you could follow along with a narrator as you read.
According to the book, all Hiawatha wanted to do is become a brave hunter. He searches the forest for his prey. When Hiawatha is scared by a cricket, the forest animals laugh at him and Hiawatha chases a rabbit until he corners him and pulls his bow and arrow. The rabbit begins to cry and Hiawatha cannot shoot. Hiawatha then decides he doesn't want to be a hunter and breaks his bow. He then follows tracks to bear's cave and must run from the bear. The forest animals save Hiawatha and he returns to his birch canoe that is in the river and heads home.
The racial undertones are present on the cover of this book (that is still available NEW). Little Hiawatha is shown wearing no shirt, an Indian headband complete with a single feather, moccasins, and pants adorned with a tribal decoration on the bottom. Hiawatha also is carrying a bow and quiver.
Other than the clothes that Hiawatha is wearing and references to his canoe, the story is fairly harmless and does not focus on any stereotypical portrayals. Hiawatha is the only character other than the forest animals. The website American Indians in Children's Literature lists the book on their site but does not reference any stereotypical aspects of it. They show the cover only and no discussion or inside quotes. "'I' is not for Indian: The Portrayal of Native Americans in Books For Young People" asks questions of what to look for in books that discriminate against Native Americans. One of the questions is, "Is there anything that would make a native American child hurt or embarrassed to be what he/she is?" I cant say for sure if this would be embarrassing for a child. It's a pretty simple story and other than Hiawatha's clothes, there are no real derogatory references.
The original publish date of this story is 1953 and the illustrator is not credited. The original cartoon was released in 1937.
Reference List
Caldwell-Wood, Naomi and Mitten, Lisa. (June 29, 1991). Selective Bibliography and Guide for "I" IS NOT FOR INDIAN: THE PORTRAYAL OF NATIVE AMERICANS IN BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE [Bibliography]. Retrieved from http://www.nativeculturelinks.com/ailabib.htm
I remember reading this book as a child. Until I took this class I would have never understood that the character was dressed in a manner not accurately representing the Native American culture. The good message in the book could be that people of different backgrounds helping other people in the end.
ReplyDeleteI remember watching that cartoon on the Disney Channel when I was little. Besides the way the child is dressed I don't think the story is very harmful. I think it is about enjoying your childhood and not trying to grow up too fast. Hiawatha was just too big for his britches.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading this book. The quote you use "Is there anything that would make a native American child hurt or embarrassed to be what he/she is?" is a good one. I think that any child that would fell they could relate to this little boy would feel that they would make the same choice as Hiawatha did in not shooting the rabbit and not being a hunter. The clothing and culture reference I think is clearly typical of the depicted time frame, I also agree with you that there doesn't seem to be any stereotypical focus.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to say without reading the book first hand if it is something that is appropriate for kids to read. But I like your review and from reading what you said I would probably read this to my kids, or wouldn't have a problem with them looking at it.
ReplyDeleteFrom what you have summarized about the book, it does seem pretty harmless. I think you had a great overall summary. I do think that books can focus on a race/ nationality and not be stereotypical.
ReplyDeleteHi, I really enjoyed reading your blog and have heard of this book before. I agree I think it teaches valuable lessons and promotes teamwork. However, the cover art can be seen as stereotypical. Many Indians don't look like that and I personally feel the cover should be redone if the author is going to keep releasing it!
ReplyDeleteFor the most part this story does seem pretty harmless. I think the clothes alone are enough to aggravate people who are Indian descendants. If I was, Id be offended by the way they portray Indians.
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