Native representation in TV: A closer look at its impact on audiences
Introduction
In recent years, the portrayal of Native American characters in television has garnered significant attention. A new study by IllumiNative, in collaboration with the USC Norman Lear Center’s Media Impact Project, delves into this topic, examining how contemporary TV series depict Native peoples and the subsequent effects on viewers. This research, titled “Native Representation on Scripted Television: Heightened Visibility and Its Impact on Audiences,” offers a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape and its implications.
The scope of the study
The research was conducted in two distinct phases. Initially, 51 TV series that aired new episodes between 2020 and 2022 were selected for a detailed content analysis. This phase focused on identifying how Native characters were portrayed across these series. The second phase involved a survey-based study targeting three specific shows known for their notable Native characters: Rutherford Falls, Reservation Dogs, and Yellowstone. The survey aimed to measure the impact of these shows on viewers’ beliefs, knowledge, and support for social issues affecting Native American communities.
Key findings from the impact study
The results of the impact study were revealing. Viewers of Yellowstone were found to be significantly less likely to agree that the U.S. should uphold treaties allowing Native Americans to control their own lands compared to non-viewers. In contrast, Rutherford Falls viewers were more likely to support such treaties. Fans of Reservation Dogs showed a higher likelihood of supporting policies like the Indian Child Welfare Act, which aims to prevent the separation of Native American children from their families.
The power of storytelling
Crystal Echo Hawk, founder and CEO of IllumiNative, emphasized the importance of who tells Native stories. She noted, “This analysis reaffirms our long-held belief that when non-Native people tell our stories – even those that may be well-intentioned – there’s a high risk that these stories will ultimately diminish Native autonomy or further stereotypes of our communities.” Echo Hawk’s reflections highlight the historical context of Native representation in Hollywood, where negative depictions have long influenced public attitudes and policy support.
Behind the scenes: The role of Native talent
The content analysis revealed a significant gap in Native representation behind the camera. Two-thirds of the series analyzed had no Native talent involved in production. However, those that did involve Native filmmakers received better audience reception. Despite the mostly positive depiction of Native people in these series, only four out of the 17 ongoing series have Native filmmakers working in production.
The broader implications
Soraya Giaccardi, senior researcher at USC Norman Lear Center’s Media Impact Project and lead author of the report, highlighted the broader implications of these findings. “Our content analysis points to some exciting trends in contemporary Native depictions, while our impact study really illustrates how powerful these on-screen narratives can be,” she said. Giaccardi noted that viewing series with prominent Native characters was associated not only with increased knowledge and beliefs about Native communities but also with support for present-day issues, such as the Indian Child Welfare Act and ending Native appropriation in sports.
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, this study offers a profound insight into the evolving landscape of Native representation. It underscores the importance of authentic storytelling and the need for greater inclusion of Native talent in the creative process. As viewers, we have the power to support shows that portray Native characters with depth and respect, thereby contributing to a more accurate and empowering representation of Native communities.
Conclusion
The study by IllumiNative and the USC Norman Lear Center’s Media Impact Project sheds light on the significant impact of Native representation in television. It calls for a continued effort to involve Native voices in storytelling, both in front of and behind the camera. By doing so, we can ensure that the narratives we consume contribute to a more inclusive and informed society.
For those interested in exploring the full report, it is available here.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the study while offering personal reflections and insights for enthusiasts of cinema and TV series. By highlighting the importance of authentic representation and the role of Native talent in the creative process, it encourages readers to support and engage with content that respects and empowers Native communities.