The YouTube Indian: Portrayals of Native Americans on a Viral Video Site

• In Event: Top 4 Papers in Mass Communication

Abstract

Mainstream media messages convey stereotyped images of Native Americans that perpetuate the ethnic marginalization. The community-oriented venues like YouTube open new platforms for depiction. This study employed a quantitative content analysis to examine a sample of YouTube videos relating to Native Americans. The findings reveal a number of promising patterns, suggesting that messages broadcast by online communities like YouTube depart from the rigid and stereotypical depictions of Native Americans in traditional media.

Authors

• Maria Kopacz, West Chester Univ

• Bessie Lawton, West Chester Univ