As well as the controversial racist terms used thoroughly in the song 'Savages', the song 'Colors Of The Wind' could also be considered to reflect similar views suggesting that the white men are also savages and that the Natives are superior because of their connection and relationship with nature.
'Colors Of The Wind' was written before the script in order to set the overall theme for those working on it (Edgerton and Jackson, 1996). But theme of racial and cultural separation are very evident in the opening verse...
'Colors Of The Wind' was written before the script in order to set the overall theme for those working on it (Edgerton and Jackson, 1996). But theme of racial and cultural separation are very evident in the opening verse...
You think I'm an ignorant savage
And you've been so many places
I guess it must be so
But still I cannot see
If the savage one is me
How can there be so much that you don't know?
You don't know ...
http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/classicdisney/colorsofthewind.htm
It might not be as brutal, but the term savage is still being passed back and forth, trying to pin it onto a group and claim the idea of being the more superior. Whilst 'Savages' show both cultures clashing, this song is more one-sided with Pocahontas almost ridiculing John for being ignorant and unopened to her world. The Englishmen are seen as greedy vultures claiming land and disregarding the real value of natural resources (Strong, 1995).
What is also intriguing is the connection she makes with nature and animals
'The rainstorm and the river are my brothers
The heron and the otter are my friends
And we are all connected to each other
In a circle, in a hoop that never ends'
It is made clear that John Smith and his crew have come to conquer and claim the land, so it could suggest that Pocahontas is to be claimed by John because her closeness with nature, she is now a possession to the white explorers. (Dukette and Frisbie, 2001). Could this be a nod to her kidnapping?
What is also intriguing is the connection she makes with nature and animals
'The rainstorm and the river are my brothers
The heron and the otter are my friends
And we are all connected to each other
In a circle, in a hoop that never ends'
It is made clear that John Smith and his crew have come to conquer and claim the land, so it could suggest that Pocahontas is to be claimed by John because her closeness with nature, she is now a possession to the white explorers. (Dukette and Frisbie, 2001). Could this be a nod to her kidnapping?
SEE REFERENCE PAGE LIST FOR FULL DETAILS