Neither approach provides non-Native students the tools they need to comfortably interact with American Indians and Alaska Natives. Native American stereotypes are prevalent throughout mainstream society and are a key component of contemporary racism. Teachers and students are exposed to this racist stereotyping, often without being aware it is happening. Sporting events, with professional teams' Indian mascots, also contribute to the trivializing of Native American cultures. Most people are not inclined to critically analyze these images of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Many young people accept as truth what they see on movie and television screens.
An antibias curriculum can serve as an antidote, but unlearning Native American stereotypes is a lifelong struggle. Still other obstacles remain. Finding resources about Native Americans that are not superficial and stereotypical remains a challenge to teachers in developing antibias lessons. Even the most culturally sensitive teacher often lacks the skills needed to evaluate curriculum materials and does not know where to seek out better ones. It is important, therefore, that before teachers begin developing an antibias curriculum they examine their own underlying beliefs and ideologies about Native Americans.