Philip Deloria Playing Indian Analysis

Philip Deloria’s book “Playing Indian” provides a thought-provoking analysis of the phenomenon of non-Native Americans adopting Native American cultural practices and identities. Deloria argues that this practice is not simply a form of cultural appropriation, but rather a complex and historically rooted process that reflects broader themes of American identity and cultural expression. This essay will analyze Deloria’s arguments, providing a critical examination of the ways in which non-Native Americans have historically “played Indian,” and the implications of this practice for understanding American culture and identity.

Historical Origins of “Playing Indian”

Deloria traces the origins of “playing Indian” to the early colonial period, when European settlers first encountered Native American cultures. He argues that the romanticized and idealized representations of Native Americans created by early European settlers served as a form of cultural resistance to the dominant European culture. As Deloria notes, this process of “playing Indian” allowed European settlers to connect with a sense of freedom and authenticity that they perceived as lacking in their own culture.

Deloria further examines the ways in which “playing Indian” became a prominent feature of American cultural identity during the 19th and 20th centuries. He discusses the popularity of Wild West shows, Boy Scouts, and fraternal organizations such as the Improved Order of Red Men, all of which appropriated and commodified Native American cultural practices and symbols. Deloria argues that these practices were not simply acts of cultural appropriation, but rather reflected broader cultural anxieties and desires for a more authentic and rooted sense of identity.

Implications for American Identity

Deloria’s analysis of “playing Indian” has significant implications for understanding American cultural identity. He argues that the adoption of Native American cultural practices and identities by non-Native Americans reflects a broader desire for authenticity and rootedness in American culture. This desire, Deloria suggests, is deeply rooted in the history of American colonialism and the displacement of Native American peoples. By “playing Indian,” non-Native Americans are engaging in a form of cultural resistance and reclamation, seeking to connect with a sense of identity and authenticity that they perceive as lacking in their own culture.

Deloria’s analysis also sheds light on the ways in which Native American cultures have been commodified and appropriated by non-Native Americans. He argues that “playing Indian” has often involved the selective adoption of certain aspects of Native American culture, while ignoring the broader historical and cultural context in which these practices are embedded. This process, Deloria suggests, reflects broader patterns of cultural appropriation and commodification that have historically marginalized Native American peoples and their cultures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Philip Deloria’s analysis of “playing Indian” provides a compelling and thought-provoking examination of the ways in which non-Native Americans have historically adopted and appropriated Native American cultural practices and identities. His book sheds light on the historical origins of this phenomenon, as well as its broader implications for understanding American cultural identity. Deloria’s work challenges us to critically examine the ways in which “playing Indian” reflects broader cultural anxieties and desires for authenticity, as well as the ways in which it has historically marginalized Native American peoples and their cultures. By engaging with Deloria’s analysis, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted ways in which American cultural identity has been shaped by the adoption and appropriation of Native American cultural practices and identities.