The Disney movie Pocahontas is a powerful yet subtle example of Native
American identity
in society. Daughter of The Chief, Pocahontas was expected to
look over her people and provide spiritual support to her father in times of
war. Finding a harmonious balance between war and spirituality, Pocahontas was
portrayed as a peaceful warrior with high connections to the Earth. This all
began to change the day John Smith in addition to numerous European explorers
who raided the land. Initially the tribe let the explorers onto their land
with high caution, leaving room for both sides to keep an eye out for each
other. Pocahontas, naturally curious, began to spend time with John and pick up
parts of European culture. While learning English language and culture, the two
feuding sides became more and more violent. After the brutal death of a fellow
tribe member, the aggression between both sides grew and Pocahontas’ resistance
to act resembles her desire to be apart of European culture. It also resembled the abandonment of her own heritage for a man. Though John Smith
and Pocahontas began to fall in love, I still find her lack of action let alone reluctance to abandon her heritage very stereotypical.
In the film, Pocahontas is portrayed as
embracing all forms of culture and fitting it into her life. The underlying
stereotype within this is that Native American culture was found savage and was
to be conformed. Pocahontas reflects the incorrect historical depiction of
Native Americans that is often told in American History. While the film
portrays Pocahontas as an equal balance of both Native American and European
culture, the historical truth is Native Americans were stripped of their land,
culture, and history. I found that this representation aims to justify the
brutal doings against Native Americans as an act of natural selection. As Europeans had
more resources, they ultimately held more power over the Native Americans and
were able to control and manipulate them. Pocahontas however, shows a
“positive” view towards this through a love story. In the provided articles, it
may be found how Disney tells the tragic history of Native Americans in a
subtle and romantic version that ultimately deflects responsibility for Native
American social and economic identity.
This goes to show the world that Native Americans are the underdogs. It shows that we are underneath the white people and that we are okay with that. This film shows people that when white settlers came into this country, that we welcomed them with open arms. It is very stereotypical of how they portray Native American woman as beautiful, sexual, and giving objects.
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