After the controversy of Aladdin (1989) depicting bad Arab culture with racist lyrics and the Lion King (1994) shortly after with further stereotyping issues (Soto, 2006), it would be fair to say that Disney was asking for early judgement in the decision to re tell the event of Pocahontas. Disney executives had understood that the task would be problematic from the start and would require careful and sensitive planning in the designing the film, and had even hired a number of local Native American consultants to advice the team (Edgerton and Jackson, 1996).
We know that Disney films are generally aimed at young children and families of all ages, and that children are very easily influenced at a young age. As Giroux (1995) suggests, these films inspire and teach as much cultural authority and values as public schools and religious institutions and that they learn from exposure to popular cultural forms. But did they successfully address the issues of presenting stereotypical views to their young viewers?
We know that Disney films are generally aimed at young children and families of all ages, and that children are very easily influenced at a young age. As Giroux (1995) suggests, these films inspire and teach as much cultural authority and values as public schools and religious institutions and that they learn from exposure to popular cultural forms. But did they successfully address the issues of presenting stereotypical views to their young viewers?
The Perfect Ethnic Blend
'We've gone from being accused of racism in Aladdin to being accused of being too politically correct in Pocahontas. That's progress to me!' Movie co-director Erin Goldberg (Aleiss, 2005).
![Picture](/uploads/2/9/2/0/29208623/9455848.jpg?398)
It is suggested that Pocahontas had attempted to avoid the stereotyping issues it had faced in previous films such as Aladdin and Peter Pan (shown left) by making her appearance a perfect ethnical blend. She appears to have the curved face of an African, Asian eyes and the body of a Caucasian (Aleiss, 2005).
To be more specific, she was drawn from four successive woman for inspiration including the original Pocahontas, white supermodel Christy Turlington, the Native American Consultant Shirley Custalow and Filipino model Dyna Taylor (Edgerton and Jackson, 1996). Glene Keane, head animator, even indicated that as many as 15 models are due credit including a young black woman and American Indian woman. But Dyna Taylor in particular felt that she deserved at least screen credit as she hints that her facial features are strikingly similar, and was left disappointed after only receiving a postcard after her contribution (Ramirez, 1995).
To be more specific, she was drawn from four successive woman for inspiration including the original Pocahontas, white supermodel Christy Turlington, the Native American Consultant Shirley Custalow and Filipino model Dyna Taylor (Edgerton and Jackson, 1996). Glene Keane, head animator, even indicated that as many as 15 models are due credit including a young black woman and American Indian woman. But Dyna Taylor in particular felt that she deserved at least screen credit as she hints that her facial features are strikingly similar, and was left disappointed after only receiving a postcard after her contribution (Ramirez, 1995).
Savages!
Though Disney may have attempted to soften the realness of Pocahontas' background, the evidence of her world clashing with the new invaders are more than evident in the song lyrics of the feature film, with some shocking terms and references used for a U rated film.
For many Native Americans, the word Savage is as potent and degrading as the word 'negro' (Strong, 1995) yet it features heavily in the film and is thrown around like a casual term. If we focus on the lyrics to the song 'Savages' (click to see lyrics here) it is surprising to see that these words would inevitably be learnt and chanted by children without fully understanding the meaning. Words like 'heathens' 'pagans' and 'devils' connote the idea of Native Americans being wild and primitive, and with reports of Native American children coming home from school crying after being called a Savage my fellow classmates (Pewewardy, 1996) it is no wonder the theme flags up concern for parents and young viewers.
The idea of the Native American tribe being wild and hostile is also reflected in there verse about John Smith and his crew. Phrases such as 'pale-faced demon' and describing white men as 'killers to the core' as a justification to execute Smith in revenge for the death of Kocoum. Despite the two races being completely opposed to each other and condemning each other for their acts of evil they are united in singing the same offensive song and portraying the idea that whoever is different to you should be rejected. A very different world to that of Disney where the world is a united happy place. (Nunez, 2010).
Historian Arthur Schlesinger thinks otherwise, claiming that the film offers a chance to see the legend of Pocohontas from a different view point. Seeing the beginning of the New World through the Natives' eyes has made them seem honourable, which is a rarity in cinematic history (Lackner, 1999).
For many Native Americans, the word Savage is as potent and degrading as the word 'negro' (Strong, 1995) yet it features heavily in the film and is thrown around like a casual term. If we focus on the lyrics to the song 'Savages' (click to see lyrics here) it is surprising to see that these words would inevitably be learnt and chanted by children without fully understanding the meaning. Words like 'heathens' 'pagans' and 'devils' connote the idea of Native Americans being wild and primitive, and with reports of Native American children coming home from school crying after being called a Savage my fellow classmates (Pewewardy, 1996) it is no wonder the theme flags up concern for parents and young viewers.
The idea of the Native American tribe being wild and hostile is also reflected in there verse about John Smith and his crew. Phrases such as 'pale-faced demon' and describing white men as 'killers to the core' as a justification to execute Smith in revenge for the death of Kocoum. Despite the two races being completely opposed to each other and condemning each other for their acts of evil they are united in singing the same offensive song and portraying the idea that whoever is different to you should be rejected. A very different world to that of Disney where the world is a united happy place. (Nunez, 2010).
Historian Arthur Schlesinger thinks otherwise, claiming that the film offers a chance to see the legend of Pocohontas from a different view point. Seeing the beginning of the New World through the Natives' eyes has made them seem honourable, which is a rarity in cinematic history (Lackner, 1999).
SEE REFERENCE LIST PAGE FOR FULL DETAILS