As early Americans sought to define their identity in a new country, race became a major fixation. Tarzan and Jane, Tonto and the Lone Ranger, Uncle Ben and Aunt Jemima—these and other stereotypes about Native American, African, and African American people have long been part of the American scene. Join us for a lively evening as noted scholars, writers, and critics discuss the ongoing presence of such stereotypes and the barriers these stereotypes pose to the advancement of American culture.
Guarav Desai, professor of English, University of Michigan will lead Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation), assistant professor, Brown University; Imani Perry, professor, Center for African Studies, Princeton University; and Jesse Wente (Ojibwe), leading film critic and programmer for indigenous cinema, in discussion. Tiya Miles, professor, Department of American Culture and Department of Afro-American and American Studies, University of Michigan, will serve as the evening’s moderator.
A reception in the museum’s Potomac Atrium follows the symposium.
From Tarzan to Tonto, cosponsored by the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, National Museum of the American Indian, and National Museum of African American History and Culture is generously supported by Accenture.
February 9, 2017
6–8 p.m.
National Museum of the American Indian
Rasmuson Theater
4th Street and Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C.
