Ben O. sent in this poster (from Found in Mom’s Basement), which uses images of Native Americans (or First Peoples) to encourage Canadians to contribute to the Canadian Patriotic Fund, which was set up during World War I to support wives and children of enlisted men:
It’s a great example of the white/non-white dichotomy, where whiteness implies morality while darkness/blackness is associated with evil or immorality. In this case, his heart is “white” (i.e., he’s a good, moral being) because he does the right thing by caring for war widows. I guess the morality of his act overpowers the misfortune of his skin tone.
Thanks, Ben O.!
On a side note, I’m off to Oklahoma for the next 12 days. I’ll still be posting–Verizon’s internet access program means I can get a weak signal even at the farm–but I won’t be able to check in on comments as often as usual or update posts with information commenters or readers send in.
You will most likely not notice any difference. Just be aware that when you insult me, it’ll take a little longer before I know about it.
Cheers!
Comments 3
Tiff — December 19, 2008
Where in OK are you going?
Gwen Sharp, PhD — December 19, 2008
The sparsely-populated area in the north-central section halfway between Pawhuska and Ponca City.
Culturally Appropriating Native Americans: A “Hands-on Approach to History” » Sociological Images — April 22, 2010
[...] cultures in Avatar (spoiler alert), Halloween costumes, defining “Indian art”, “my skin is dark but my heart is white“, anachronistic images of Native Americans, “My Indian name is…“, the [...]