Native Americans in Popular and Commercial Culture: An Interview with Paul Chaat Smith from the National Museum of the American Indian

Abstract

Abstract: Paul Chaat Smith talks about his work as a curator at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in Washington, DC. He also covers how his Comanche heritage has influenced his personal and professional journey as a writer, curator, and critic of art and culture. Smith discusses other important topics: the history and early reception of the NMAI, his work as a curator, what the NMAI collects, the use of various terms of identity (e.g. American Indian, Native American, Indigenous), the diversity of Indian cultures and experiences, the American Indian Movement (AIM), activism today among American Indians, the Americans exhibit featuring images of Native Americans in popular and commercial culture throughout American history, the perpetuation of fantasy images of American Indians, cancel culture, Keep America Beautiful's 1971 "Crying Indian" public service announcement, who can represent and speak for Native Americans, the need to recognize positive elements in Native history, and advice for professors and students.