Introduction: American Indians Confront "Savage Anxieties" (01:24)

FREE PREVIEW

Robert A. Williams Jr. talks about dueling Western perceptions of indigenous people. (Credits)

Perception of Indians (02:29)

People pay little attention to America's treatment of Indians, and treat Indians as monolithic. Bill Moyers introduces lawyer and activist Robert Williams.

Sacred Land (03:28)

Tribes often oppose exploitation of sacred lands, but face internal disagreements about what land is sacred, and whether this is more important than economic benefits.

Land Claims (01:32)

Congress took land from Indians through illegitimate treaties; Indians believe they should have these lands and appeal to international human rights laws.

Views of Land Ownership (01:21)

Europeans did not think the Indians could claim land, as they did not have private property. Tribes recognize sovereign territory.

Concept of Savagery (01:15)

Williams traces a Western war on tribalism to the Greeks and Romans.

Doctrine of Discovery (03:27)

Chief Justice Marshall denoted natives as savages and denied Indian sovereignty. Congress uses the "Doctrine of Discovery" to do as it likes with Indian land.

Founders' Views of Indians (01:12)

The Founders believed the Indians were a declining race, defeated by the white man.

Dispossession (03:06)

Treaties from about 1800 to the Civil War were not particularly unfavorable to Indians, but after the Indian Wars, the 1887 General Allotment Act dispossessed them.

Recent Court Decisions (01:41)

Rehnquist's Oliphant v. Suquamish Indian Tribe opinion expressed stereotypes.

Indigenous Movements (00:57)

Indigenous peoples reject Western culture and demand sovereignty.

Rejecting Stereotypes (02:28)

A Congressman backing a land bill recently characterized Indians as wards of the federal government. Williams calls for the rejection of such stereotypes.

Additional Resources (00:44)

Bill Moyers discusses the last broadcast and invites viewers to visit the billmoyers.com website.

Credits: Moyers & Company: American Indians Confront "Savage Anxieties" (01:34)

Credits: Moyers & Company: American Indians Confront "Savage Anxieties"