Mostly because it reinforces/reinforces several stereotypes by associating the group as exotic and savage (less developed).
For example, making their skin literally red. Potentially artistic license, but also very odd considering that isn't a real skin color. Or stating that they were white to begin with and then were turned red, implying a type of deficiency/aberration from "normal" white. Plus the term "redskin" was used historically as a pejorative and associated with contempt, derision, condescension, or sentimental paeans to the noble savage. The stereotype of huge noses also is frowned upon since it was used to make claims of their savagery and brutishness unlike the civilized Europeans. (See also stereotyping Jews as having big noses)
Similarly, the song implies that the entire language is non-sensical words instead of actually being a full language. This is probably the biggest issue. The tribes actually had a full language for communication, not just a bunch of grunts.
It also takes something that would have very specific and special meaning, a war dance, and turns it into a party dance.
The sexism isn't great either. Forcing Wendy to be the aid since she's a girl instead of letting her join in the fun.
> Or stating that they were white to begin with and then were turned red
The lyrics never say that the native were once "white" and turned red. It says that they're red because they've all been blushing. The "white" skin color is never mentioned nor even implied, anyone can blush and it has nothing to do with skin color.
> Similarly, the song implies that the entire language is non-sensical words instead of actually being a full language.
The song gives actual words in some constructed native language, together with their translations. For such a short and simple text, the implication that they can do a lot more than just grunt could hardly be any clearer!
> The sexism isn't great either. Forcing Wendy to be the aid ... instead of letting her join in the fun.
They're showing that their native culture encourages women to work and make themselves useful to their community and tribe, and that their contributions will be properly valued in return. Have you never heard of the Ant and the Grasshopper? It was quite a popular story among native Americans, despite originating in the Western world.
For example, making their skin literally red. Potentially artistic license, but also very odd considering that isn't a real skin color. Or stating that they were white to begin with and then were turned red, implying a type of deficiency/aberration from "normal" white. Plus the term "redskin" was used historically as a pejorative and associated with contempt, derision, condescension, or sentimental paeans to the noble savage. The stereotype of huge noses also is frowned upon since it was used to make claims of their savagery and brutishness unlike the civilized Europeans. (See also stereotyping Jews as having big noses)
Similarly, the song implies that the entire language is non-sensical words instead of actually being a full language. This is probably the biggest issue. The tribes actually had a full language for communication, not just a bunch of grunts.
It also takes something that would have very specific and special meaning, a war dance, and turns it into a party dance.
The sexism isn't great either. Forcing Wendy to be the aid since she's a girl instead of letting her join in the fun.