Disrespecting the Pipe: TBS’S “Dances With Groceries”

(9 am. – promoted by ek hornbeck)

1st actor: “Do you know what I think this is?”

Carl: “A bottle cap?”

1st actor: “It’s an arrow head, Carl. This is probably an ancient Indian relic. Right here, right here in the greens and grains.”

Carl: “We’re in the handicap zone.”

1st actor: “…I bet we can make some money off this; I’m not kidding you.”

Especially in light of “The ‘redface’ era returns(ing),” this is a poignant slap in the face.

Crossposted at Native American Netroots

ACTION ALERT! TV program disrespecting the sacred pipe

In the program aired on Tuesday night 2/17/09 9:00 pm (mtn time) Character Leslie Pool, played by John Lehr discovers that he has “Shawnee” heritage. He then decides to start running his grocery store in the “Indian way” makes everything organic, puts up dream catchers, states he even has a birthmark on his butt in the shape of a tomahawk.

– snip –

In a scene in Pool’s office, he brings out a “peace pipe” and wants to smoke it with Mercy Jones. She grabs the pipe away from him and slams it down on the desk.

You can file a complaint with TBS at:

TBS

Re: 10 Items or Less Program

404-885-0758

their online email form is located at:

http://support.tbs.com/ics/sup…

I shouldn’t have to try to explain why this is so offensive. I could start with the fact the trailer above reminds me of the Spiro Mounds.

This headline brought the Spiro Mounds to national attention in the 1930’s when a group of treasure hunters set off a charge of black powder in the largest mound after losing their “mining” lease. The men sold artifacts from the mounds to collectors all over the world. Fragile items like cotton cloth and feather robes were tossed aside and crushed underfoot.

1st actor: “It’s an arrow head, Carl. This is probably an ancient Indian relic. Right here, right here in the greens and grains.”

Carl: “We’re in the handicap zone.”

1st actor: “…I bet we can make some money off this; I’m not kidding you.”

I could also state, that isn’t this at the real heart of the matter regarding “a birthmark on his butt in the shape of a tomahawk?”

The mascot debate is actually the latest in a long series of battles over who controls American Indian culture. Since most of us never learned the history of white/Native relations in our country, the issue seems to have sprung out of nowhere.

It’s not just about mascots; it’s about “who controls American Indian culture.”

I’ll end by stating, the scene with the sacred pipe is unfathomable in its blatant disrespect.

You can file a complaint with TBS at:

TBS

Re: 10 Items or Less Program

404-885-0758

their online email form is located at:

http://support.tbs.com/ics/sup…