Indian Americans

The Indian has always been a symbol of American freedom. Indians have been portrayed as savage, noble, nude and decorated. Therefore, most Americans have found some aspect of Indian culture with which they can identify. The national figure 'America' "was a nude woman warrior decorated with feathers and usually accompanied by an exotic-looking animal, a bow and arrow, and the odd severed limb nearby" (pg. 62 Democratic Models). This symbol was sophisticated with it's exotic animal, elegant bow and arrow, and ostentatious feathers. Yet, 'America' was also uncivilized, nude, and potentially a cannibal. Americans were  in the process of recreating themselves, so their representations were constantly changing. But one thing was constant, the importance of Indians. "As England became a them for colonists, Indians became an us." (pg. 22 Playing Indian) Indians have always and will forever represent America.