The Indian in the Cupboard

As I have been creating my pathfinder for my internship project, which is on Native American information (both fiction and non-fiction, Internet resources, and programs) in a Children's Library, I come across countless people criticizing the Indian in the Cupboard. I can understand this, however, it does not make it a less valuable source of fiction for children. I would never recommend it is a source for Native American study, however, I would not say it's an item that should be eradicated from library shelves as a few have suggested .

In this one article which, I must say, is a fantastic source for people attempting to create/maintain/weed a Native American collection in either a school or public library for K-12 students, the writers state the following about The Indian in the Cupboard and it's sequels:

"But for Indian people, these are some of the worst perpetrators of the most base stereotypes. The miniature toy Indian in the series (Indians portrayed as objects or things) is described as an Iroquois warrior, but is dressed as a western movie version of a generic plains Indian "chief," complete with eagle feather headdress. The warrior is described in the most stereotypical terms and speaks in subhuman grunts and partial sentences. He is manipulated by a more powerful white child, fostering the image of the simple and naive Indian whose contact with the white man can only benefit him and his people" (Caldwell, Kaye, and Mitten, 2007).

Here are my problems with this statement:

1) I agree that the stereotypes in these books are not positive at all, but couldn't this become a learning experience for children? It could be used to spark conversation about stereotypes and how to correct them.

2) The reason that the Indian in the cupboard is portrayed incorrectly (improper attire for being an Iroquois warrior, sub-level communication, Hollywood look) is because this is how the boy sees Native Americans. Wouldn't this be a great thing to use to spark conversation with kids? How would you think the Native American would be shown if this child knew what you know about Native Americans? What would you change? How do you think this might change the stories or the plots? TEACHING MOMENT!

3) Little Bear ("The Indian") speaks in grunts because he does not know the language, as the story goes on and he learns the language from both Omri (the "more powerful white child") and Boone (the "cowboy" action figure that Omri ends up turning as well) he begins to speak more normally.

I feel that the authors of this text have created a very viable source for librarians, educators, parents, etc. However, I feel with The Indian in the Cupboard they have gone too far. This is a story that isn't meant for Native American study, it is meant for fiction, for literary consumption. It could still be used in schools and libraries as a teaching moment. A time to get children to think about how they carry stereotypical tendencies within them that they don't even realize they have.

I would never think to teach children that these characters are viable stock characters for use in every day life. I agree that, in the past, Native Americans have been portrayed badly in literature, if at all. I agree that we need to be aware of the stereotypes and stock characters of the past. I also believe, however, in encouraging children to be aware of these issues, not just taking it away from there view. In order for children to know the difference they need to be taught, what better way to do it then through an outlet they will enjoy and, perhaps, remember?

Work Cited
Caldwell, N., Kaye, G., & Mitten, L.A. (2007). "'I" is for inclusion: The portrayal of Native Americans in books for young people." ALA/OLOS Subcommittee for Library Services to American Indian People American, American Indian Library Association presented at the American Indian Children's Literature: Identifying and Celebrating the Good, Washington, D.C., June 23, 2007.