Column: Challenging stereotypes and defensiveness regarding the Geronimo codename and the Paper Tiger

Native American reaction was swift and pained, describing the association of the most well-known Native American leader with America’s most-hated enemy as “a bomb in Indian Country” and “FAIL,” especially in light of Native American contributions to the U.S. military.

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe asked for an apology, gently noting that the codename must have been a cultural and historical misunderstanding, but “right now Native American children all over this country are facing the reality of having one of their most revered figures being connected to a terrorist and murderer of thousands of innocent Americans. Think about how they feel at this point.”

Native American writer Susan Power writes how defending her point of view to those who try to convince her that the codename is not offensive sent her spiraling straight back to childhood:

“I could viscerally recall being the only Native student in my elementary school class, squirming as teachers described my people in ways I didn’t recognize, couldn’t honor. And, when I timidly raised my hand, wishing to sink through the floor because I was so shy, near-whispering a comment that in my family and my tribe this was my experience and what I’d been taught, the teacher would smile in a smug way, and tell me how wrong and misguided I was. This is how a child learns that she is invisible in America. This is how a child learns that her voice doesn’t count, her experience is invalid and not to be trusted. This is how a child sometimes wonders if she’s crazy since her truth never matches the one the mainstream tells her is The Truth.”

I have been surprised at the defensiveness with which many have tried to justify the codename.

Asian American writer Gil Asakawa nails it when he writes, “The fact is, if something is offensive to someone, it’s offensive. Period. It’s not about the motivation, or the intent. It’s about the impact.”

The Asian American blogosphere has been locked in its own fierce debate this week over the impact of Asian American writer Wesley Yang’s overly long, angst-ridden and stereotype-reinforcing article for New York Magazine, “Paper Tigers — What happens to all the Asian-American overachievers when the test-taking ends?”

Ostensibly about the bamboo ceiling, the article rehashes many old issues and tired stereotypes, including the difficulty of Asian American men to get white women to go out with them. Yang blames Asian culture (ala Amy Chua Tiger Mother) and protests a bit too much about how cool he is (because he is the opposite of stereotype). A painful read.