October 18, 2007
Native American actress to discuss stereotypes
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Native American actress, screenwriter and activist Tiger Moon will present a lecture on Native American stereotypes in the media next week at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Moon will speak at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 22, in SIUC's Student Center Ballroom A. Admission is free and open to the public. Native American History Month at SIUC begins Nov. 1.
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Media Advisory
Reporters and photographers are welcome to cover the lecture. Tiger Moon is also expected to be available for interviews prior to the event. For more information, contact Nichole Boyd at 618/201-7953 or at nativeatsiu@hotmail.com
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Moon's lecture will focus on "American Indian Stereotypes in Hollywood." She will speak "about our recognition of how Natives are conditioned by the media," said Nichole Boyd, president of SIUC's Native American Student Organization. There are depictions even today that are "not completely historically accurate, which at times can perpetuate stereotypes," Boyd said.
Moon will discuss her own experiences in the film and television industry, Boyd said.
Moon's acting career includes appearances on television shows "Ugly Betty," "Bones" and "Caveman," and in films "Shadow Heart" and "Future Warrior." Moon will look at how many of the images and icons held as truths about Native Americans come from the media, and also the difficulties Native American film directors faced in Hollywood beginning in the 1900's, Boyd said. She will also discuss Native Americans in the film industry today, "and the use of media as a voice for the indigenous peoples," Boyd said.
SIUC's Global Media Research Center, Student Development's Multicultural Programs and Services and the Native American Student Organization are among event sponsors.