Artists have a unique way of communicating their message to the society. They use uncommon and indirect approaches such as irony, satire, alongside other techniques to induce a symbolic meaning into their different works. The late Fritz Scholder was a Native American artist whose works have had a great contribution to the American society. In particular, he focused on demonstrating the experiences of Native Americans in a community where they have, like other minorities, been subjected to oppression and discrimination. Thus, Scholder used his platform as an artist to communicate the rights of Native Americans. One of this works of art, American Portrait with Flag , 1979, presents various aspects about the plight of American Indians in a society where they, just like other communities, have the right to access and enjoy the privileges currently accorded to the white majority. Assertively, Scholder’s painting is symbolic of the force of diversity in the American society which cannot be ignored or avoided thereby demanding peaceful coexistence through understanding and compromise.
Figure 1 : American Portrait with Flag, 1979
Various elements are visible in the image. One can notice that Scholder was keen to include certain features of the Native American culture such as the feathers. The individual portrayed has one feather tied to his hair while the other is seen hanging on part of what appears like the skin of an animal. These elements already communicate about the Native American culture which engaged in hunting as part of an activity to acquire food. In support, Turner (1989) explained that among American Indians, hunting and fishing rights are part of the most contested areas. Therefore, it only makes sense for Scholder to set up the image such that it communicates part of what constitutes the Native American culture. One ought to understand that the cultural and traditional activities the said community engaged in were the consequence of the topography of where they first settled. Turner (1989) noted that Native Americans settled in the North of America but European invasion brought about considerable disruption leading to both assimilation and suppression of the native’s culture. However, in his painting, Scholder was looking to demonstrate the continued existence of the Native American culture which has remained adamant against disruptive forces of change such as those brought about by continued technological development. Thus, Scholder’s continued implicit emphasis on the importance and value of the Native American culture signals the need for different cultures in America to accept each other’s differences and compromise.
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One other conspicuous element in Schroder’s painting is the feather which is rather important when it comes to the Native American culture. A retrospective look at the function and place of the feather for American Indians reveals that it serves various purposes. Geb (1974) wrote that “ Feathers of birds entered extensively into the industries, decorations, war, and worship of the Indians long before the white man knew of the red man” (p. 108). The implication is that the feather forms a critical part of the Native American culture. Therefore, Scholder’s inclusion of such an element in the painting speaks volumes of his desire to communicate the richness of the American Indian culture. Actually, to emphasize on the rather high-profile nature of the feather among Native Americans, Geb (1974) explained that those found selling the feathers to others are likely to suffer prosecution as they are considered valuable artifacts which have a religious and spiritual role. Hence, one is not wrong to argue that Scholder’s intention was to communicate the symbolic and social customary role of the feather as being part of what defines the Native American culture. Knowing a brief history of the feather creates some level of emphasis on the importance of retaining various elements which distinguish one culture from another in the American society. Opinionatedly, identity is a critical aspect in America as individuals strive to make find a sense of belonging and acceptance in a society that is plagued with both implicit and explicit judgment. Therefore, Scholder was focused on emphasizing that Native Americans are not likely to discard that which has made them acquire their status in America. The implication is that the larger society should accept Native Americans as they are thereby promoting peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
Scholder uses a rather unique painting technique whereby he makes some elements more visible than others. For instance, in the image in question, the facial aspects of the individual are not shown but one can notice such a feature as the nose. The idea is to sway the viewer away from the physical appearance of the individual. Instead, Scholder intended for individuals to immerse themselves into the other elements he has emphasized on such as the feathers, the animal skin, and the American flag. However, Schroder made sure to include the long hair which falls on the American flag on the front of the right-hand shoulder. Placing the hair on top of the flag could be perceived as being symbolic of how individuals should perceive their existence in America. Analytically, it could be taken to mean that America is the outcome of interaction of individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Therefore, as much as unity of the nation comes first, individuals should not forget that their unique differences form the grassroot on which the American society is founded. Furthermore, another interpretation is that Schroder wanted to emphasize that within the American society, different ethnic communities exist and which share one common element, the American flag. Furthermore, the American flag is symbolic of a unifying element which is common to all ethnic communities regardless of differences in traditional or customary beliefs and activities. Thus, for Schroder, he acknowledges that Native Americans, even with their unique culture, they are part of a larger society, which is America. For that reason, individuals should not develop the assumption that they are bigger than another race or ethnicity. For Schroder, compromise and understanding are critical to promoting a society that not only accommodates racial and ethnic differences, but also establishes ways to maintain them.
Conclusion
The image in question communicates various messages which revolve around the foundation of the American society. There are diverse elements which Schroder decided to use marrying them together to emphasize that diversity does not mean segregation or separation. The central aim of the image analysis exercise was to demonstrate that Schroder, as an American Indian, sought to communicate the need to accept and appreciate each other’s racial and ethnic differences. America is a country home to individuals from different cultural backgrounds. With such a fact, it only means that progress and social sustenance can be achieved via understanding and respect of each other’s differences. Schroder emphasizes the common chord connecting communities together which is the American flag. However, while that is the case, he artistically reminds individuals not to forget their cultural backgrounds. For Schroder, culture plays a vital role in defining a community and is a mark of identity. Therefore, to promote cohesion in the American society, compromise and appreciation for diversity are critical to peaceful coexistence.
References
Geb, J. (1974). Native American culture: The use of feathers as a protected right. American Indian Law Review, 2 (2), 105-115. doi:10.2307/20067849
Turner, S. (1989). The Native American's right to hunt and fish: An overview of the aboriginal spiritual and mystical belief system, the effect of European contact and the continuing fight to observe a way of life, New Mexico Law review, 19 : 377-423.
