Jacob doesn't fit in the equation.

    Stephanie Meyer's novel Twilight, tells the romantic story of the star-crossed lovers Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. Due to her mother's remarriage, the young Bella decides to move with her father in the small town of Forks, Washington. That is where she meets Edward, the mesmerizing and beautiful man that hypnotizes her at first sight. From there, surges a deep curiosity that leaves Bella craving more of him, wanting to discover all that there is to know about him. 

    In the film adaptation of the movie, we are then briefly introduced to the character of Jacob Black. Jacob is an old family friend who lives with his father Billy, both are members of the La Push Reservation. Jacob appears as a younger boy, with long straight hair, naturally dark pigmented skin, and a bright contrasting smile. His young age accounts for his eagerness, there is a strong sense of immaturity in his playful character. Bella uses Jacob as a reliable source of information. He tells her the stories of his ancestral tribe, of the Quileute legends that suggest that the Cullens are vampire descendants. He dismisses the validity of these legends by describing them as “only stories”. Still, this information proved to be valuable for Bella because she gathers all that she needs that allows her to come to the conclusion that Edward is in fact a vampire.

   Though the role that Jacob plays is small, his presence (or lack thereof) says a lot more than what he does. All that the audience sees of Jacob is his brief appearances is his lack of importance. He doesn’t have a role in the romance that exists between Bella and Edward. It could be said, that his role is insignificant (at least in this movie).

   Based on what the audience is exposed to, Jacob’s role briefly conforms to the stereotypes about Native Americans. By just taking a look at his physical appearance one can see clear distinctions that distinguish his from all the other characters. Aside from the Afro-American student who almost kills Bella with his van, there aren’t many characters with colored skin. This is why Jacob makes a bold impression with his dark skin that isn’t prevalent in the rainy city of Forks. His hair is long, reaching almost halfway down his back, just like the hair of his other friends. These are also the same friends with whom he interacts and appears to share a deeper bond with.

   It is difficult to analyze the extent to which Jacob shares the common stereotypes that Native Americans in mainstream media portrays. Indians are usually portrayed as, “proud, independent, and honorablepeople or as bloodthirsty savages”. Perhaps it’s due to the lack of importance of his character (at least in this part of the saga), but there is no depth that can strictly relate to these popular misconceptions.

   The social and economic marginalization that affects Native Americans today is justified by the perception that Native Americans are something exotic yet lacking of importance. As I previously stated before, Jacob doesn’t fit into the love equation that Edward and Bella develop. He is merely of assistance, nothing more than a boy with a face full of hair, too young and to eager to be significant. Although Twilight doesn’t probe deep into the Native American life, as it later does presenting a skewed version,  it gives enough insight to come to the conclusion that Twilight is just anther source of media that feeds on Native American stereotypes.

   The continuation of the saga has resulted in vast effects on part of the 40% of all Native Americans that still live on reservations. The Quileute Tribe has been forced to negotiate the rights to their own oral histories, ancient regalia and mask designs, and even the sanctity of their cemetery. History continues to repeat itself, once again American society is robbing the true natives of their life and culture. The implementation and practice of common stereotypes are the gateway to this disastrous attack.