Recently, I went to see Peter Pan Jr. at the Community Little Theater. I enjoyed the performance; however, my pleasure was marred by the stereotypical representation of the “Brave Girls” — a band of American Indian young girls who join the “Lost Boys” to save the day. The costumes, gestures, choreography and music used to depict the Brave Girls all reminded me of classic cowboys and Indians movies from my own childhood. We have come a long way since then and I was disappointed to see these tired tropes still in use in 2017.
I understand that the play was written in different times and there may even be copyright requirements that prevent changing the script in any way. However, as an educator, I feel a “teachable moment” was missed.
I wonder if there was any discussion with the young performers and their parents about all the ways we perpetuate harmful and insulting stereotypes. The Brave Girls are just that, and their strength, ingenuity, goodness and courage could have been emphasized, without the overlay of damaging stereotypes.
I appreciate all the parents and community volunteers who make this experience for our youth possible, and I have been and will remain a staunch supporter of CLT. But I would hope we could initiate a discussion of how to deal sensitively with depictions of groups of people who have historically been stereotyped, so that we do not perpetuate the racism we now recognize in such portrayals.
Bonnie Shulman, Auburn
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