Uvbi Osatohangbon
10/02/2022
Introduction to Indigenous Studies (INDG 49-C03)
Cherylanne James, Bradley Gibson
The Myth of the Drunken Indian
I picked chapter 17: The myth of the drunken Indian because I believed it would be an interesting myth to learn more about. I ended up finding interesting, as well as, surprising how the myth of the drunken Indian is still present in our communities and as been weaponized and used to judge Indigenous people making their life harder. This myth was one I was already aware is very prevalent and has been existing in our society for a very long time, but I have just recently heard and learned more about. Although, I knew about this myth, reading this chapter which went deeper into this topic, taught me some things I did not know before. Like how this myth led to the belief that “Indigenous people “can’t handle their liquor,” due to the lack of a specific gene that helps humans metabolize, or break down alcohol” (Vowel, 2016, pp. 152). As the chapter stated, this stereotype “has created some heavy baggage for indigenous people” (Vowel, 2016, pp. 151). Although, this myth may not be as damaging as it once was, since it’s harder for people to use it to deny indigenous people of jobs, homes or even entrance into certain establishment, this does not mean it has stopped impacting indigenous people and their relationship with Canadians. For instance, it has triggered indigenous people to internalize it and live their life in fear of becoming an alcoholic due to the belief it is something they can’t help because it is in their genes. The truth is, as ugly as this stereotype is, there have been problems with addictions within many Indigenous communities with high rates of alcohol and drug use, affecting even the children (Vowel, 2016). This has resulted in a distance between the Canadian society and Indigenous people. Consequently, acts of discrimination like spreading misinformation, preventing indigenous people to buy alcohol or entering certain local spots, shops or institutions. Another way this myth has had a negative impact is by creating the belief that all Indigenous people are drunks. Although, studies show that even with heavy drinking being more common with Indigenous people, many do not drink at all and consider alcohol to be a very serious problem and as result have a more negative view and abstain from it more compared to non-indigenous people (Vowel, 2016). In the end, the author was trying to say it is not good to internalize this stereotype, nor is it helpful for society to reinforce it. Alcoholism is a problem for some people in the indigenous community, therefore instead of concluding all Indigenous are or will be drunks, it would be better to dispel these stereotypes, keep a focus on what we can do and take steps to prevent or treat it.
Word Count: 470
Works Cited
Vowel, C. (2016). Indigenous Writes: a guide to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit issues in
Canada. Highwater Press.