Examples Of The Depersonalization Of Native Americans

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The depersonalization of Native identity has accelerated the erasure of Native People. The Indian head Test pattern, used by all TV broadcasters when the shows ran out in the 1970s, is a prime example of this depersonalization. Tommy Orange writes, "The Indian's head was just above the bull's-eye, like all you'd need to do was nod up in agreement to set the sights on the target" (Orange 3). This image implies how Native Americans were seen as a target that should be eliminated, and the widespread broadcasting of such an image to hundreds of American homes further implemented this bad stereotype. Along with that, the bull's-eye symbolizes the oppressing attitude towards the Native, which further simplifies Native identities to simple symbols.