Trying to avoid stereotyping people....
I've got a great idea, if I can just stop feeling awkward about it.
You know I'm currently researching to write a story about a girl from the Calusa tribe in the 1500's.
Since there are no Calusa left to ask and no written records of their language (and few left of the culture) I'm planning to do some intense reading about the tribes surrounding their lands (specifically the Timucua, Appalachee, and Miccosukee, since the other three tribes are also not well known).
I've got several things that I feel I can take liberties to write, such as the main character's personality, feelings, and involvement with the invasion of Ponce de Leon, since it's all fiction and as long as the major facts jive it's cool. I live 30 minutes away from the Everglades and grew up a block from the Caloosahatchee, so I know the area where the Calusa hunted and gathered.
What stumps me is borrowing culture from other peoples. If I give my character a nature-based name such as "Swift River" there's no telling if it would be accurate or seemingly stereotypical...even though the King of the Calusa is said to have re-named the tribe after King Charles (I know that's them and not me, but still). Also, I know that their people had a reputation for being fierce warriors (gave Ponce deLeon his death wound), and some (only some) said that they were cannibals.
If I fill in other details with Florida Indian culture do you think it would be stereotyping their culture? I want to do right by the people.
Also, if I went to the Miccosukee Reservation, how do you think I should go about asking this? You don't just bang on someone's door and start asking them how their ancestors related to somebody that no longer exists.
Any insight you have is duly welcomed welcomed to the Cher power!
You know I'm currently researching to write a story about a girl from the Calusa tribe in the 1500's.
Since there are no Calusa left to ask and no written records of their language (and few left of the culture) I'm planning to do some intense reading about the tribes surrounding their lands (specifically the Timucua, Appalachee, and Miccosukee, since the other three tribes are also not well known).
I've got several things that I feel I can take liberties to write, such as the main character's personality, feelings, and involvement with the invasion of Ponce de Leon, since it's all fiction and as long as the major facts jive it's cool. I live 30 minutes away from the Everglades and grew up a block from the Caloosahatchee, so I know the area where the Calusa hunted and gathered.
What stumps me is borrowing culture from other peoples. If I give my character a nature-based name such as "Swift River" there's no telling if it would be accurate or seemingly stereotypical...even though the King of the Calusa is said to have re-named the tribe after King Charles (I know that's them and not me, but still). Also, I know that their people had a reputation for being fierce warriors (gave Ponce deLeon his death wound), and some (only some) said that they were cannibals.
If I fill in other details with Florida Indian culture do you think it would be stereotyping their culture? I want to do right by the people.
Also, if I went to the Miccosukee Reservation, how do you think I should go about asking this? You don't just bang on someone's door and start asking them how their ancestors related to somebody that no longer exists.
Any insight you have is duly welcomed welcomed to the Cher power!