Rethinking Stereotypes

As part of our study of Philadelphia history, fourth graders have been learning about the Lenape, Native Americans who lived and thrived in this region. In learning about many different aspects of Lenape life, including clothing, naming rituals, marriage, medicine, hunting, etc., the fourth graders have come to appreciate the richness and beauty of the culture in which they lived. As we move forward in our study of history, we continue to study the Lenape and how their life and culture were impacted by the arrival of European explorers.


As part of our study, the fourth grade class watched a video which discussed the stereotypes of "Indians" that exist today. Before the video, we discussed stereotypes generally: what they are, how they impact people, and examples of stereotypes seen or heard from others or in the media. We then watched the video to inform us of stereotypes that exist for Native American people. The video, told from the perspective of young Native Americans, made explicit the stereotypes that exist for their people and how it makes them feel to see or hear these in their daily lives. For example, they explained that images of Native American people typically depict feather headdresses, when in fact, only some tribes wore them and only some individuals of a certain stature wore them. Additionally, there were many different types of unique headdresses used for different purposes by different tribes.

Fourth grade is an age where students grow tremendously in terms of self-awareness, identity and their understanding of others. Our discussion leading up to the video and afterward was very thoughtful. We will continue our conversations about stereotypes and their impact as the year progresses.