In the documentary, Reel Injun, I learned how Indians were portrayed differently throughout the history of the film industry. When the first films that featured Indians were released, the Indians were given the identity of strong, fearless warriors. Indians were seen as the good guys who were very spiritual. As time progressed, the way Indians were viewed and portrayed in the movies started to drastically change. The Indians were becoming the enemy and the new target of the western cowboys. Along with the changed role on the battle field, the Indians’ wardrobe and rituals were being combined and stereotyped into one idea. This effected how Indians were viewed and treated in society. On the screen and off the screen, the Indian people were being discriminated against and were seen as lower members of society. However, around the 90s, the Indians started to make a positive comeback in the popular films. Certain stereotypes attached to the Indians were being changed. For example, humor was added to a particular character and for the first time people started to see them as human again. They weren’t all the strong, fearless warrior from before, but they also weren’t the bad guys.
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