The Contraries of the Plains Indians are traditionally individuals committed to an extraordinary life-style in which they do the opposite of what others normally do. They thus turn all social conventions into their opposites. The role of the Plains Indian Contraries is primarily ceremonial since they often play key roles in sacred ceremonies, dances and feasts. Unlike the clowns, the special role of the Contraries has not been traditionally restricted to brief performances, ceremonies or war preparations. It is their everyday life. The Contraries of the Plains Indians are unique and historically unprecedented.
John Plant examined the ethnological phenomena of contrary behavior, particularly in the tribes of the North American Plains Indians.
Contrary behavior means deliberately doing the opposite of what others routinely or conventionally do. Traditionally, it is usually accompanied by
inverse speech, in which one says the opposite of what one actually means. For example, "no!" expresses "yes!" And "hello" means "goodbye". To say "Grandfather, go away!" would be an invitation for him to come. == Reverse warriors ==