Review of Natives and Newcomers by James Axtell

When one thinks about the original inhabitants of North America (Native Americans), old stereotypes and misconceptions always spring to mind. Stereotypes in history view the Native Americans as "savage" with spiritual connections to nature, whose lifestyles were simple and plain. The characteristics placed on Native Americans often contradict each other and fail to offer a real understanding of the people. The view of European settlers coming to the Americas can be seen in stereotypes where Europeans are portrayed as the victimized Christians with limited Native Americans interaction. James Axtell, author of Natives and Newcomers: The Cultural Origins of North America, pulls the curtain back on such stereotypes and studies Native American culture, traditions, lifestyles and their relationships and interactions with European settlers. The Nations Council for Social Studies states that culture is dynamic and ever-changing and by understanding culture, students of history can fully understand themselves and people from different cultures. Axtell clearly explores the NCSS standard of culture throughout his book and breaks down long held stereotypes of early Native Americans and European settlers.