Contrary (social role) facts for kids

A Contrary was a special person among some Native American tribes of the Great Plains. These individuals chose to act in ways that were the exact opposite of what everyone else did. They were a small group who followed this unique way of life.

Contraries were somewhat connected to the clown groups of the Plains Indians. They were also linked to special warrior groups known as reverse warriors. The Lakota word heyoka means "clown" or "opposites." This word describes these special ways of acting opposite that were part of Plains Indian culture. When Lakota people first saw European clowns, they called them heyoka too.

Who Were the Contraries?

The Contraries were people who lived an extraordinary life. They purposely did the opposite of what was normal. This meant they turned all usual social rules upside down.

What Did Contraries Do?

Contrary behavior meant deliberately doing the opposite of what people usually do. This was often paired with inverse speech. With inverse speech, a person would say the opposite of what they truly meant.

Speaking in Opposites

For example, if a Contrary said "no!", they actually meant "yes!". If they said "hello", they meant "goodbye". If they told their grandfather, "Grandfather, go away!", it was an invitation for him to come closer.

Were There "Reverse Warriors"?

Besides the Contraries and ceremonial clowns, many Plains tribes had "reverse" warriors. These were usually experienced fighters. In battle, they would purposely follow strange or "crazy" rules.

These warriors often belonged to military groups. They also took part in dance ceremonies. Only the "reverse" warriors used inverse speech. They were the only ones who did the opposite of what they were told. For example, a "reverse" warrior would charge into battle when told to retreat. They would only fall back if they were commanded to attack.