Stereotypes In Dances With Wolves

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Dances With Wolves

Dances with Wolves offers a cinematic portrayal of Native Americans that is quite contrary to the stereotypical norm. In this film, John Dunbar, goes out to the west where he meets and becomes friends with the Sioux Indians. He is drawn more and more into their community and eventually chooses to side with the humane Indians over his fellow cruel white Americans. In an attempt to change stereotypical views, director Kevin Costner through Dunbar, presents to the audience a different perspective of Indian removal. The film allows viewers to identify and sympathize with the Indians and thus causes a shift of perception towards the Indian problem. Movie critic Ariztlan, in a review of the film, states that Dances with Wolves "showed the Indians as human beings with a culture and way of life that had the full breadth of human dignity, humor, spirituality and family values (http://www.ariztlan.org/mov/wolves)." The stereotypical view of Indians as savage inhumane beings is strategically dwindled in this movie.

This film was set around the time of the Civil War which took place from 1861-1865. It was during this time that acts of Indian removal were common. The prevalent attitude of Americans at the time was that of expansion into the …show more content…

They are taken into the culture to experience it firsthand. This involvement with the culture brings about feelings of sympathy and emotion. A better understanding of their side is attained. The way that the tribe took the little white girl into their lives and raised her as their own goes to show how kind these people actually were. Their tribal dances, hollering voices, and painted faces, though first seen as wild and crazy acts of foolishness, are now seen as elements of an enriched culture filled with unity and pride. The humane characteristics of love, humor, and happiness dominate their civilized

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