Stereotypes in many ways accompany Native Americans because of their origins, the most important of which has to do with communicating with nature and pets. The stereotype is about attitudes toward, and a particular love of, horseback riding. Traditionally, horses have been used for transportation since, in desert conditions, it is most convenient. However, even with the development of the locomotive industry and technology, people did not stop traveling by horse, which led to the stereotype. The stereotype is maintained mainly by Native Americans, so they are the ones with whom horseback riding is associated.
The stereotype of horseback riding was formed around Native Americans because of their love of nature. Horses allow you to travel safely on different terrains because they are very hardy and strong animals. Exploring nature on horseback is much easier than on foot, which is why all people involved in tourism in Latin America resort to this method (Davis-Delano et al., 2021). The horse for Indians symbolizes wealth and income, and animals are treated with special respect. Many identify with horses in an effort to achieve the same grace (Jacobs, 2021). Riding is not a bad thing, but society treats this Native American activity with suspicion and as if it were dismissive of their unwillingness to depart from tradition (Toka, 2021). Because of this, the stereotype continues to be reinforced in society.
For Native Americans, the horse acts as a sacred animal and is valued among the people. Riding is part of the culture, becoming the focus of many traditional rituals and ceremonies. Society associates them, with horseback riding, perhaps reinforcing the view that they are not modern. Nevertheless, horses continue to be important animals, sometimes valued far more highly than other pets. Despite a reinforced stereotype that may be culturally damaging, people will not stop feeling affection and love for horses.
References
Davis-Delano, L. R., Folsom, J. J., McLaurin, V., Eason, A. E., & Fryberg, S. A. (2021). Representations of Native Americans in US culture? A case of omissions and commissions. The Social Science Journal, 1-16. (n.d.). Web.
Jacobs, M. R. (2021). “You Should Be Proud!” Native‐Themed Mascots and the Cultural Reproduction of White Settler Space. Sociological Inquiry. Web.
Toka, K. (2021). Progression or Stagnancy? Portraying Native Americans in Michael Apted’s Thunderheart (1992). Ad Americam, 22, 87-100. (n.d.). Web.