Sh*t People Say to Native People

February 7, 2015 / Paper Rocket Productions

“What kind of Indian are you?” “Do you guys live in teepees on a reservation?” “If I had an Indian name, it would be Tail Feather, because I can shake it!”

This video captures the unfortunate truth of what people say to Native People, and the result is hilarious. Watch now for all the missteps and stereotypical beliefs that come with conversations about Native culture.

Click for the Transcript

Are you guys Asian or something? You guys can really pass for Asian.

Do you guys have the dots on your head? What kind of Indian are you? Are you this type or are you this type? So wait, there’s more than one type of you guys?

Do you guys like live in tepees on a reservation? So, where’s the reservation? I heard it’s like slums out there. Why don’t you guys move?

Do you speak Indian? I know some Indian myself. [Saying phrases in another language].

I’m 1/16 Cherokee, so we’re practically both Native.

What’s a clan? Is that a game? Can I have a clan? You should adopt me into your tribe so we could both dance around at pow wows. So is like being in a locker room like a sweat lodge? So if you make some jewelry, is that authentic?

There’s a lot of people over there. I think they’re having a pow wow. Let’s go join them.

My favorite football team has to be the Red Skins. What about you?

Do you have any peyote? Can you smoke it? Can you sniff it? Can you drink it?

Does you family own a casino? Can you guys like talk to animals?

Do you guys get like free money like from the government? Man, I wish I was Native, so I could get like free scholarships and stuff.

Hey, what’s your like spirit animal? Have you ever been on a vision quest? I ate some like ‘shrooms one time, and I was like—I didn’t know where I was. So I think that’s a vision quest, isn’t it?

Hey, let’s go get some of that fire water. Doesn’t look like you went on a long walk.

I’m thinking about going to a party this weekend, and I’m thinking of going as an Indian. Does this make me look fat? We’re like the same. We can both dance. We can go to pow wows.

I can be like you. My name is Eagle Heart. I’m 1/16 Cherokee. (Singing) Hey ya, hey ya, hey ya, hey ya, hey ya, hey ya, hey ya, hey ya, hey ya, hey ya, hey ya.

You know what? If I had an Indian name, it’d be Tail Feather because I could shake it.

Have you seen the movie Avatar? That’s like my favorite movie. That movie is like based on you guys. You guys should be proud of that.

Man, Avatar was such a great movie. I feel so sorry about them. What did you think?

Aren’t you glad today was Columbus Day? What could we do without him?

I kinda like saw a drunk guy yesterday. He kinda looked like you. Is he your father?

So I bought this for you. Oh wait, my bad. Not that one. I’m such an Indian giver.

Oh I’m so sorry I’ll pick that up right away. Please, please just don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry. See? It’s going in the trash. Don’t worry. I’m 1/16 Cherokee. I know how it feels. I’m sorry.

That’s racist.

Aye! See, look at that. Just cool.

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Paper Rocket Productions is a company set on telling stories from multiple spectrums of the indigenous perspective. Through their creative vision, they thrive in exposing what mainstream media fails to overlook. Paper Rocket Productions is dedicated to the empowerment filmmaking gives to their viewers and to witness a piece of culture different from their own. Their Production Company promotes native stories, insight and entertainment for indigenous communities from around the world. Their partner with filmmakers and artist who have worked within their professional industries to inspire a contemporary vision for Indigenous art. You can check them out at their website Paper Rocket Productions, on Youtube, on Facebook, and on Twitter @PaperRocketProd.