The Documentary
Reel Injun is extremely impactful. Throughout history, Hollywood cinematography has shaped Native Americans into aliens, non-existing humans, and mythological creatures.
The Birth of the Hollywood Injun began with a man by the name of Horses are Spirited
directly translated
, but most knew him as
Crazy Horse. He was portrayed as the free, imperial, noble, and highly spiritual man. Adam Beach conveys, "We'll never be able to change the fantasy of who and what Indians are. That fantasy will always be there, we will always be on the cover of novels saying 'Cheyenne Warrior'!" (
Reel Injun) This fantasy is prevalent in many of the early movies. Crazy Horse who was known as the noble leader wasn't even recognized by his true name. Crazy Horse in comparison to Horses are Spirited have entirely different meanings. This shows the misunderstanding of Native names in Hollywood. But, also shows the mythologizing of the Native culture. Charlie Hill says, "Chuck Connors as Geronimo! That's like Adam Sandler as Malcolm X!" (
Reel Injun) Hollywood's choice of actors has also had an impact on the way Native Americans are delineated. For as long as cinematography has captured Native Americans on film they have used white actors, backwards english, and unrealistic costumes; creating major stereotypes. Chris Eyre claims, "White people playing native roles? I love it, because it's funny." Even after being completely alienated, at the end of the day it's important to laugh it off.
John Trudell states, "The human race is older than anything we define ourselves as." (
Reel Injun) This statement hits home base. We as humans are always trying to group ourselves, causing separation and hatred; when in reality its comes down to the fact we are all human. We are all ONE. Sacheen Littlefeather discloses, "(In the 60s) People asked me, what are you, are you a hippie? And i said no, I'm an Indian, what's a hippie?" (
Reel Injun) The misrepresentation of Natives, Ignorance towards their culture, and lack of education has had a domino effect. Classification can make one feel alienated. Hurt people... hurt other people; just creating more hate. John Trudell also says, "We're not Indians and we're not Native Americans. We're older than both concepts. We're the people, we're the human beings." (
Reel Injun) The Native American people just want to be recognized as a people, not JUST "the indian" or "noble chief". They are people that have feelings, customs, and traditions just like everyone else. It's time to notice and embrace differences with respect. All in all, it's simple. We need to take cognizance by improving education, accurately and respectfully depicting cultures.
Hippy vs. Native American
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