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Stereotypes In Five Little Indians

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In Michelle Good's “Five Little Indians” the harrowing journeys of Kenny, Lucy, Maisie, Howie, and Clara through Canada's residential school system and their subsequent struggles reveal the profound impact of trauma, discrimination, and societal injustices. Set in the 1960s, the novel searches into the protagonists' relentless battles for identity and sovereignty amidst racism and discrimination. Through their stories, Good explores the myth of progress, highlighting the lasting harmful effects of colonization. This essay examines how the unattainable sovereignty and identity of characters like Kenny, Maisie, and Lily, the portrayal of Indigenous individuals in the 1960s, and the persistent societal injustices they endure, collectively illustrate …show more content…

The stereotyping in this novel contributes to The Myth of Progress by perpetuating harmful misconceptions about Indigenous Peoples, reinforcing the idea that they are inherently flawed or inferior. Lucy is portrayed as an unfit mother in the novel. Lucy’s child Kendra was almost taken by social services at the hospital when she was born, displaying the stereotype that she is in fact an unfit mother. Another instance is where Lucy is trying to obtain welfare as a single mother, and again she has been deemed an unfit mother by stereotypes in society: “It’s not that. The welfare lady was here today. She said, “I have to prove I am a fit mother.” (Good 125). In the quoted passage, Lucy is confronted with the pressure from social services to prove her worthiness, reflecting the pervasive societal bias against Indigenous mothers and contributing to the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes. In addition to the parental stereotypes portrayed in society, Kenny was portrayed as an alcoholic and an absent father. Although Kenny is absent, it is because he was working, to help Lucy support Kendra. Kenny was trying to be better, but the trauma was too much for him, so he drank: “Kenny is pushing away and detaching from everyone. He had memories of the past, but the trauma got to him, and he resorted to alcohol.’’ (Good 1996) The quoted passages underscore Kenny's struggle with trauma and addiction, illustrating how societal pressures and personal demons push him into destructive behaviour, perpetuating the stereotype of Indigenous individuals as prone to alcoholism and absenteeism. Lastly, Howie ends up in jail after meeting his abuser and nearly beating them to death. Portraying violent and irrational stereotypes of Indigenous peoples. Howie tried to lower his sentence before the Parole Board for the 7th time: “And this is the only crime I ever committed, if you can call it a crime.

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