ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A group of American Indian actors walking off the set of an Adam Sandler movie has sparked a debate over why Native American stereotypes in media have endured.
It also shows that more Native Americans are voicing their opinions.
This week, eight actors quit the production of the satirical Western “The Ridiculous Six” over complaints about offensive names and religious scenes.
Writer Megan Red Shirt-Shaw says the move generated praise on social media from American Indian advocates because Hollywood continues to embrace outdated stereotypes.
Other Native Americans say more actors and writers are needed in media to battle hurtful images and that the actors should have stayed on set.
The Sandler film is set for a Netflix-only release, and the streaming service says it’s designed to lampoon stereotypes popularized in Western movies.
