The question of whether Laura Ingalls Wilder was racist is complex and must be understood within the broader historical and cultural context in which she lived and wrote. Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie series, which has been beloved by generations of readers, has also faced criticism for its portrayal of Native Americans and for presenting a romanticized view of frontier life that often glosses over the more problematic aspects of westward expansion.
One of the central criticisms of Wilder’s work is her depiction of Native Americans. Throughout the series, Native Americans are sometimes described using terms and language that are now recognized as offensive and racist. For example, in Little House on the Prairie, Native Americans are referred to as “savages” and other derogatory terms. These descriptions reflect the prevailing attitudes of the time—both the 1870s, when Laura was a child, and the 1930s and 1940s, when the books were written and published. During these periods, Native Americans were frequently marginalized and depicted negatively in American society and popular culture.
Wilder’s books also contain references to “half-breeds,” a term that was commonly used during the 19th century to describe people of mixed Native American and European ancestry. This term is now considered offensive and outdated, and its use in the Little House books has contributed to the criticism of Wilder’s portrayal of race and ethnicity.
It’s important to recognize that Wilder was a product of her time, and her views were shaped by the dominant cultural narratives of the era. The westward expansion of the United States, which is central to the Little House books, was often justified through the ideology of Manifest Destiny, which promoted the idea that white settlers were destined to expand across North America, often at the expense of Indigenous peoples. This belief system was deeply ingrained in the American consciousness and influenced the way people like Wilder viewed Native Americans and other non-European groups.
While the Little House books have been criticized for their portrayal of Native Americans, they have also been acknowledged as historical documents that reflect the attitudes and beliefs of the time in which they were written. However, as society’s understanding of race, racism, and cultural sensitivity has evolved, so too has the reception of Wilder’s work. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that the books contain elements that are problematic, particularly in their depictions of Native Americans.
In response to these concerns, the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) decided in 2018 to rename the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, a prestigious honor given for lasting contributions to children’s literature. The award was renamed the Children’s Literature Legacy Award to acknowledge the racism present in Wilder’s books and to better align with contemporary values of inclusivity and respect.
It’s important to approach Wilder’s work with an understanding of its historical context while also recognizing that some of the language and attitudes presented in the books are not acceptable by today’s standards. The Little House series continues to be a significant part of American literature, but readers and educators are increasingly mindful of the need to discuss and address the problematic aspects of the books when sharing them with new generations. This balanced approach allows us to appreciate Wilder’s contributions to literature while also critically engaging with the historical and cultural issues present in her work.
