Native American Stereotypes Analysis
In the film world, Native American Indians have evolved from stereotypical roles such as that of a noble savage to that of the "new hero" into more diverse and complex roles such as Magua in James Fenimore Coopers' 1826 novel The Last of the Mohicans and Scar in The Searchers (1956). Native Americans have challenged these stereotypes by progressing into "what used to be ethnic restricted roles" ( Kubik, 2014). The term noble savage was given to primarily Native American Indian men who were untouched by civilized corruption. These weren't the only racist stereotype terms. used to refer to Native Americans. Some of the terms used were Chief; most who carry that title were never actual chiefs, this was just a common name whites gave to Indian
leaders. Princess was never a true title, there were never any actual Native American princesses but rather the term was used by white men to "legitimize female Native Americans as potential mates for Whites" a primary example of this is the Disney character, Pocahontas. A most common belief helpfully portrayed by old movies was that all Indians look alike. It wasn't until the "Injuns" made it into movies that this stereotype was slowly diminished, although a large population has stuck to this belief (Padgett, Kenneth).
leaders. Princess was never a true title, there were never any actual Native American princesses but rather the term was used by white men to "legitimize female Native Americans as potential mates for Whites" a primary example of this is the Disney character, Pocahontas. A most common belief helpfully portrayed by old movies was that all Indians look alike. It wasn't until the "Injuns" made it into movies that this stereotype was slowly diminished, although a large population has stuck to this belief (Padgett, Kenneth).