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Western Films and Native American Males

Western Films and Native American Males . Sarah Staples/ Katie Houlihan October 24, 2006. Native American Roles. Noble Brave Helper Bloodthirsty . Noble “Savage”. Portrayed as an excellent storyteller

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Western Films and Native American Males

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  1. Western Films andNative AmericanMales Sarah Staples/ Katie Houlihan October 24, 2006

  2. Native American Roles • Noble • Brave • Helper • Bloodthirsty

  3. Noble “Savage” • Portrayed as an excellent storyteller • Takes in Jack (Dustin Hoffman) after his family is murdered by the “bloodthirsty” Paw nee • General: • Preserves the traditions of the tribe • gives advice • spiritual/medicine man Chief Dan George

  4. The Brave • Warrior • Hunter • Defender of the tribe This character defends the tribe, goes on the Buffalo Hunt which saves the tribe. He is also the “best” warrior in the tribe. Kevin Costner becomes a brave in Dances with Wolves but this appropriation of Native Identity is not necessarily an accurate depiction of native people. By the end of the film he has assumed a “complete” Native American identity. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-387792068807922095&q=buffalo+hunt

  5. Helper Vs. BloodthirstyThe Last of the Mohicans

  6. The helper aids the white western heroes in battle Depicted as a“loner” not belonging fully to either group This character is found in many older westerns The “bloodthirsty” Native American role kills white families on the frontier Kidnaps white women Rapes women No morals, ethics and is“ruthless” Helper Vs Bloodthirsty

  7. Settings for Native Americans • Far out and desolate areas of the frontier • Reservations

  8. Themes • Native Americans kill, scalp and destroy white people on the frontier • Kidnap white women • Uncivilized and stuck in the “primitive” way of life • Vanishing population • “last” of the mohicans”

  9. Value Assumptions • Value “mother” earth • Don’t believe in Christian Gods • Not educated: often depicted with broken English a lot of “ums” • Do not value “modern” expansion of the west

  10. Familiar Resolutions • The “West” expands • Native Americans vanish • White people live on despite the rough frontier

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