Ticci Man Project - Research Article Index

Native Talent Adam Beach Speaks Out...

"...Look at the history of Native American people in Hollywood: they have not been represented in a humane way on film... When I was growing up, my white friends would call me: "Hey, Chief!" Even when I go to work now, people call me "Chief...." People think they have the right to use that term with an Indian person. I don't get upset because I know they don't know any better. It's how people acknowledge Indians. Hollywood has portrayed such a negative image of who we are as people up on screen. They don't realize that there is a culture. There's another part of us that exists...'

'...I don't have an answer for why Hollywood still casts non-ethnic people for ethnic roles. It's something that has to change. Sometimes they'll write a character for a Native person and then say, "Well, there's no Native actors that can capture the intensity of this character, so let's just make it a white person." I've seen it time and time again. I also think that people in Hollywood don't believe that a Native or an ethnic person can be a draw and make money. There's so much politics involved."

Time Magazine Interview 2007

To Hollywood

"Racism starts in the darkest depths of human nature and survives only if the tribe [society] allows it through social norms, for taboos are the fruits that beget civilization. The strongest hand is the one that stays the execution of its prejudicial force toward the betterment of idealism, that a guiding light may shine on a higher tomorrow where equality blesses all of future's children. --zb

To Native America

"Often the wisest approach is to win the heart of your foe rather than try to cut it out.

Winning you enemy's heart begins with winning your enemy's understanding." --zb

Russell Means

Actor / Native American Activist

...Because the educational system of the dominant culture doesn't let our children know that American Indians existed in the 20th century, there's a real danger in allowing Hollywood to define us. For all my criticism of Dances With Wolves, I still realize it was a breakthrough. It renewed interest in the American Indian, and Mohicans is part of turning a corner. And when Wes Studi, a Cherokee who plays the villainous Magua, wins an Oscar, you will know we have made a quantum leap forward from Dances With Wolves. [link]

Research Article Index

We are not interested in pointing fingers at any company or individual in Hollywood because that is not productive or beneficial. We hope that Hollywood will work on this issue as a community effort and that stars and celebrities will join us in shedding light on this issue so that the industry we all love can heal and evolve into a more positive form.

The Ticci Man Project does not support confrontational grass roots approaches or negative-biased efforts of any kind toward resolution of these issues, as such tactics are historically proven unproductive and non-beneficial to Native people, whether initiated or not with good intentions.

This project is strictly about focusing on the greatness of existing Native cultures and people and bringing all walks of life together toward greater understanding that leads to greater respect and equality for all--especially Native Americans.

The articles or links or videos listed here are typically by third parties and are for educational purposes. The opinions and aspects stated do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Ticci Man Project. This is not an exhaustive listing so the reader is encouraged to conduct their own research as well.

General Native American | First Nations Racism

Research Sources For Native American | First Nations Racism

Hollywood - Native American | First Nations Racism

Discussion On Why "Twilight" and "New Moon" Are So Upsetting To Native Americans by Vue Point AND by TwiCrack Addict

Research Article Index

General Native American | First Nations Racism

Research Sources For Native American | First Nations Racism

Hollywood - Native American | First Nations Racism

Hollywood Racism - General

Organization Links

Videos

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