I’m writing to express my concerns about the “Injun Summer” cartoon (Oct. 5). I’m particularly bothered by the comment of the old man to the child, “Don`t be skeered . . . They all went away and died, so they ain`t no more left.”
Even though I know that this is an old cartoon (1907) and that this was done in the context of the times, I wish that a statement to this effect would have been printed alongside the cartoon, or that a sidebar on the current status of Native Americans would have been included.
As a citizen of a state with a very large Native American population, I know that the statement “they ain’t no more left” is grossly inaccurate.
In the future, I hope your publication will consider the effect that a cartoon such as this can have on public perceptions of a group of people who already suffer the consequences of being labeled by many stereotypes.
Teresa Blankmeyer Burke, Albuquerque, N.M.
I’m someone who finds “Injun Summer” charming and a fine reminder of a past, calmer time period. However, something bothers me, a person who makes a point of seeing every sunset and full moon I can. The sun disappears from view in the direction we refer to as west. The full moon comes into view from the east. Therefore, the full moon (in this world) could not be where the sun set. The old man and boy would need to go to the other side of the field to see a golden rising moon.
Carolyn Cook Hedden, Canton, Ill.
During my childhood I would have given anything to be an American Indian (Native American). Other children may have wanted to be cowboys or soldiers, but I would have none of it. I had all manner of costumes with headdresses and assorted paraphernalia. I had tom-toms, bows and arrows and beaded moccasins. I held my fascination with Native American culture well into my teens and I still have a great respect for our first Americans.
I cannot believe that anyone could find fault with “Injun Summer.”
It is a celebration of a time and a people that will live forever in the minds of those who are exposed to John T. McCutcheon`s masterpiece.
Curtis W. Gray, Chicago
FROM THE CLASSROOM
Editor`s note: We received letters from 28 students at Woodland Middle School in Gurnee. Twenty-six said they enjoyed “Injun Summer”; two thought it was wrong for the paper to reprint the cartoon. A sampling:
I believe “Injun Summer” should stay in the paper because it is a form of tradition for many families. You might want to change some of the words in it, though, so the controversy of racism won’t come up again.
Kirsten Johnson
I enjoyed reading it. Taking it out is erasing our past. This is what we thought of Native Americans. Saying the comic is wrong is saying our past is wrong. Our past is not wrong, it is a mistake. Kids need to learn about our past so we don`t make the same mistake.
Jacob Narens
I think you shouldn’t reprint “Injun Summer” because it’s mean and offensive. The Indians didn’t do anything to you.
Trav Hager
There`s one thing for sure: It’s not as bad as “Pocahontas” the movie, where they called Native Americans savages, red devils and heathens. I, for one, loved the story! It was like things unfolding in a child`s mind!
Jillian Koletsos
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