Journal 2
Throughout the history of the United States, Native Americans (NA) portrayal in the media has consistently reflected the mainstream views and experiences of American society. Originally NAs were presented as a stoic, noble, and free people; mimicking the demeanor of a wise sage or possibly Yoda from Star Wars. This can be seen through Thomas Edison's first recordings of film: depicting NA ritual dances and culture. When the Great Depression struck America in the 30s, the feelings were represented through film via NAs as violent savages wishing to kill you and take your land, standing in the way of Manifest Destiny. This is seen by the movie Stagecoach, whose entire plot revolves around a colonial family traveling in a stagecoach with NAs brutally attacking for no apparent reason. This movie lead to the creation of John Wayne, a cowboy who slaughtered these savages because it was the “right thing to do.” Wayne was of the mentality that NAs were preventing the REAL Americans from settling the land that was rightfully theirs. At the dawn of the civil rights movement in the 60s, the portrayal of indians was shifted yet again to represent the prejudice that other races were feeling at the time. When the 80s hit, NAs were portrayed with a new light. These films were promoted to the public as “being about Indians” and looked at the culture from a sympathetic angle; Flags of Our Fathers showed how a NA feels sadness and fear just like everyone else. The year of 2001 was home to the first film directed and starred by NAs, The Fast Runner, abolished all previous stereotypes and attempts to convey true NA culture. It was unfair for our society to deprecate another culture simply because we needed a bag to punch, but time has altered NA perception to convey traditional beliefs.
This portrayal of NAs through media has drastically altered America’s perspective of indians and their culture. During the production of Stagecoach, white actors played the indians and no actual NAs were consulted for the language, it was just English played backwards. This was the turning point for the rest of the mainstream lies created about NA culture. Indians began wearing headbands not because it was historically apt, but because they were useful in keeping actor’s wigs in place. Summer camps are now attempting to mimic NA culture in order to provide an “authentic” experience to campers, when in reality the only knowledge of Indian culture is derived from films. One counselor even blatantly stated that, “I’ve never studied NAs, but after watching a couple movies about them I’ve really gotten a good understanding about their culture.” The result? Americans believe that indigenous tribes were comprised of uncivilized savages who are like disposable toys. Once they’ve served their purpose, whether it be teaching you how to grow corn or acting as a simple movie persona, you get rid of them.
This portrayal of NAs through media has drastically altered America’s perspective of indians and their culture. During the production of Stagecoach, white actors played the indians and no actual NAs were consulted for the language, it was just English played backwards. This was the turning point for the rest of the mainstream lies created about NA culture. Indians began wearing headbands not because it was historically apt, but because they were useful in keeping actor’s wigs in place. Summer camps are now attempting to mimic NA culture in order to provide an “authentic” experience to campers, when in reality the only knowledge of Indian culture is derived from films. One counselor even blatantly stated that, “I’ve never studied NAs, but after watching a couple movies about them I’ve really gotten a good understanding about their culture.” The result? Americans believe that indigenous tribes were comprised of uncivilized savages who are like disposable toys. Once they’ve served their purpose, whether it be teaching you how to grow corn or acting as a simple movie persona, you get rid of them.