Pocahontas is an animated movie released in in June, 1995 about Native Americans who are forced to fight to protect their land against invaders, specifically white men. These men sought to displace the Native Americans from their land to develop industries in its place. These invaders are cold-hearted and do not respect the natives as people with families with a sense of belonging and pride for their home land. Instead, the invaders call the Native Americans savages. In the movie, the Indian Chief’s daughter, Pocahontas, has the courage to stand up against the invaders. However, in the process, she ends up falling in love with a white man who is the leader of the invaders. This results in the planned development being cancelled and both parties reaching a harmonious agreement.
Native American Culture
Native Americans have a strong sense of culture that is deeply embedded into their society and is very much a part of who they are. A significant part of Native American culture is seen in the purpose and presence of the leader of the Native American community, which is the chief. The chief is regarded as a trusted source of leadership and wisdom. The chief is responsible for leading his people through challenging situations and harsh times and deciding what is best for them.
Movie Theme
The movie, Pocahontas, illustrates women’s submissiveness to men and how they consult men before making decisions. In addition, children are taught responsibility such as playing games that exercise their minds. This is all part of Indian culture that is passed down from generation to generation, so that the culture is preserved and Native Americans do not depart from their ways, while keeping with the spirit of their community. Biases and Prejudices
Bias and prejudice is shown in the movie when the white men come to invade the Native American’s land. Part of the reason for this is because the white men ignorantly perceive the Native Americans as illiterate, uncivilized people who do not deserve to own land. Consequently, the white men use guns against the Native Americans, which they had never seen before the attacks.
Sacredness
However, Native Indians consider their land sacred and are strongly attached to it, and they will go to any lengths to secure it. Their land is highly ancestral where various rituals are performed to symbolize significant events such as child birth, death of a chief and the ordination of a successor chief. Additionally, the chief’s daughter is considered sacred and is highly respected, and suitors from all over the land come to ask for her hand in marriage. However, a husband is already chosen for her, so Pocahontas has no choice over to whom she marries. In the movie, she is shown to be a very adventurous tomboy. She practices fighting and many people love to be around her.
Behavior in the Movie
The fate of both the Native Americans and the white men is sealed within the conflict between them. Pocahontas insists on both parties meeting and talking; however, the chief disagrees. The chief is a firm believer of taking to the battlefield to settle scores, since the opponents (the invaders) in this case are so aggressive. In Indian tradition, it is wrong for someone in the clan to marry outside of the clan. If this were to take place, the person is in violation of tradition and will be outcast without blessings from the elders. In spite of this, Pocahontas goes against tradition when she succumbs to her love for the leader of the enemy. As one can imagine, this makes the situation very complicated. However, this was only at first, as it all turned out well in the end. She is successful in persuading both sides to discuss matters to come to an amicable agreement. She is then giving the blessing to be with her new love and represent her community around the world.
Personal Understanding
It is evident that this movie relates to how many people undermine Native Americans and their culture. However, they should be respected, as they are significant contributors to society, and they have vast knowledge in areas such as herbal medicines and other non-conventional methods of healing. In addition, they are some of the most dedicated and consistently true people in regard to preserving their culture and tradition, which is not doubt envied by many. Their culture and traditions give them their identity, which has earned them admirers from all over the world.
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