Reel Injun

Film Post-Reel Injun

by Karis Kim

http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117941250/?refCatId=2863

I chose this film with no real expectations or information on the topic of Native American portrayal in Hollywood. However after watching Reel Injun I am provided with a perspective that helps me realize something that I hadn’t really thought of before. Joe Leydon does a good job of summarizing a perspective of the film and touching on some of the issues discussed in the film. I agree with Leydon when he says that the documentary shows good clips of the terrible stereotypes on Native Americans in Hollywood. One thing that definitely stuck out to me as it had to Leydon is that many of the props and things that we associate with Native Americans are not true at all. Hollywood has totally disregarded any kind of Indian culture and differences that they may have. In addition, Native Americans are always seen as the savages or opposing enemy to whites in films. There are some movies that do show good ideas of Native Americans, but many of the stereotypes are incredibly untrue. I had never really thought about how Native Americans are viewed and that there are so many different ‘clans’ around the country that are still in existence. They are a vital part to American history and yet they are always viewed as an illiterate and savage people. This documentary has not only opened my eyes to Native American stereotypes, but also being aware and open minded about all different kinds of people. It seems like it should be obvious to not listen to what the media portrays of certain cultures, but it can’t be helped that it impacts our perspective. However now, I can be more aware of understanding context before judging.