Explain how the movie image of natives eradicates difference among native peoples.
reel injun
The movie image of natives often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and erases the diversity within native peoples. This phenomenon is commonly known as "reel injun," a term coined by filmmaker Neil Diamond in his documentary "Reel Injun" (2010) which explores the portrayal of native peoples in Hollywood films.
To understand how the movie image of natives eradicates difference among native peoples, we need to consider the historical context of representation. Indigenous cultures have been misrepresented on screen for many years, with Hollywood often portraying them as a monolithic group with shared customs, appearances, and beliefs. This homogenization of native peoples creates a false narrative that fails to recognize the diverse languages, traditions, histories, and contemporary experiences of different indigenous communities worldwide.
One of the reasons for this erasure of differences is rooted in the colonial history of indigenous peoples. European colonizers tended to reduce native peoples to simplistic stereotypes and exoticize them to fit their own narratives of conquest and control. These stereotypes were perpetuated in early Hollywood films, which influenced subsequent popular perceptions of native peoples.
In many cases, native characters were portrayed as "noble savages" living in harmony with nature, possessing mystical powers, and being disconnected from modern society. This reductionist representation not only overlooks the complexity and richness of indigenous cultures but also denies the agency and diversity of native peoples.
Moreover, the lack of native involvement in the filmmaking process exacerbates the problem. When native stories are told by non-native filmmakers, the focus often remains on reinforcing existing stereotypes rather than exploring an accurate and nuanced portrayal of indigenous peoples. This further perpetuates the erasure of differences among native communities.
To challenge and counteract this erasure, it is crucial to amplify authentic native voices in the film industry. Elevating indigenous filmmakers, actors, and storytellers ensures that native perspectives are accurately represented, allowing for a more diverse and inclusive portrayal of indigenous cultures on screen. Supporting indigenous filmmakers and consuming their work is an important step towards dismantling the harmful stereotypes perpetuated by the movie image of natives and promoting a more accurate and respectful understanding of native peoples.