Stereotypes Are The Norm

Native Americans, since I can remember, have been associated with the image of a hyper-sexual, aggressive male and a beautiful yet fearless woman. As much as the Natives try to portray their image in a different light within the media, the people of our society refuse to see them differently. Within movies the Natives are either the underdogs, the sudden hero who helps the white man, or the helpless victim. Seldom are these people portrayed as the smart and intuitive people. Like many before it “Crooked Arrows,” is a film designed to highlight the Native American heritage and the sport of lacrosse. Within the description of the film, found on Netflix, the team that will later become known as the crooked arrows are called the rag-tag team. The film from the beginning to the end was predictable. This Native team were the underdogs and their new coach, a half white and half native man, who had drifted from his tribe is brought back to prove himself and lead the team to victory. As anyone can predict, the coach finds his way back, stands up to his boss who is trying to build casinos on the tribes land, and the team wins the championship.

            One of the characters, a young female by the name of Nadie, is the only girl on this rough all boy lacrosse team. Beautiful, of course, with a stubborn and sharp tongue. She has the attention of a majority of the boys on her own team and of the other teams. Being a young woman she does not let herself be intimidated by her fellow teammates and in turn takes the reigns and is an assistant coach, who is very willing to put the guys in their place at any point in time. Within history, Native American woman are always portrayed as beautiful and even seductive, but know how to carry themselves and their households in any manner if necessary. Just as the female lead role falls into the stereotypes so does one of the male characters known as Maug.

            Maug, was not a part of the lacrosse team at the very beginning, but the members of the team considered him a myth. A man who lived within the woods, who was considered to be strong and fearless and was said to be able to kill a deer with his bare hands. When Maug was finally brought onto the scene, the new found coach convinced him to play by mentioning that he will be able to knock around rich boys. This perpetuates the image that the Native American male is naturally aggressive and has hatred for those who have wrongfully benefitted off of his land. It was later revealed that Maug considered himself a vegan and that put the boys minds at ease, but it was still taken as a joke to the audience. A bit or irony thrown into a mix of stereotypes.

            Both Nadie and Maug are representations that a certain image of Natives still persists within our society. Other than the characters, the story line itself declared stereotypes that remain within the American society. Casinos are considered a blessing given to the Natives by the Americans. Although, articles can be found supporting this idea it is untrue in most communities. This film started out with the belief that the casinos were benefitting the tribe and would have stayed expanding if it wasn’t for the lost coach finding his ways and setting everything straight. The movie, ending with the Natives united is just that, a movie. There isn’t anything or anyone in actuality that is giving the Natives a voice against the loss of their land and the images that are being portrayed of them. These underdogs aren’t being led to victory in reality.