Pocahontas : The Evolution of an American Narrative (Cambridge Studies in American Literature and Culture)

Rating:
Summary: Pocahontas used as both racist and anti-racist symbol
Review: Tilton explores the role of Pocahontas and the "Indian Princess" legend in creating white elite identity and legitimizing the stealing of Indian lands. The claim of descent from an Indian Princess is very popular among many whites. Tilton argues that is a way of saying that we didn't steal the land but inherited it.

Here's another interesting quote from Tilton:

"...for many base wretches amongst us take up with negro women, by which means the country swarms with mulatto bastards, and these mulattoes, if but three generations removed from the black father or mother, may, by the indulgence of the laws of the country, intermarry with the white people, and actually do every day so marry. Now, if instead of this abominable practice which hath polluted the blood of many amongst us, we had taken Indian wives in the first place, it would have made them some compensation for their lands. ...We should become rightful heirs to their lands and should not have smutted our blood..."

The Rev. Peter Fontaine of Virginia, 1757.

Why do even the "liberals" among us accept the idea that one can be "white" and partially American Indian but tacitly accept the ridiculous notion that a white person with the same amount of black ancestry is only "passing for white"? Is it really because Indians had land and blacks had nothing? This book gives you plenty to think about.