Laura Ingalls Wilder was an American writer best known for the series of children’s books Little House. In her writing, she celebrates hard work, discipline, individualism, and self-sufficiency. However, she’s been criticized for her stereotypical portrayals of Native Americans, and many readers and scholars consider parts of her work reflective of the racist attitudes.

But the time when she lived was one in which such beliefs were widely accepted in mainstream American society. This context doesn’t excuse the stereotypes in her writing, but it helps explain how such perspectives were normalized back in the day. Native Americans are still fighting for their rights, and the effects of discrimination are still felt today. As a society, we need to promote respect and equality and ensure that Indigenous voices are heard.