Bloodthirsty Indian Research Paper

Words: 2314
Pages: 10

Ava Runions Ms. Thompson NBE3U1 April 24, 2024.

The Bloodthirsty Indian: Hollywood's Portrayal of Indians and the Importance of Change in Last of the Mohicans, Dances With Wolves and Thunderheart.

Stereotypes are seen across film media all the time. They are most often assumptions, biases, rude and overall negative preconceived notions about a specific group of people. One of the biggest stereotypes across films is that of the bloodthirsty Indian. The stereotype of the bloodthirsty Indian portrays Native Americans in a savage, unevolved and brutal light. In films such as The Last of the Mohicans directed by Michael Mann, Dances With Wolves directed by Kevin Costner and Thunderheart Directed by Michael Apted, this stereotype shapes overtime. In all of these films, there are stages to this stereotype. The initial reaction to the Indians, an overall negative and scary perspective. This is followed by certain individuals having a spark of curiosity to learn more, putting aside the bloodthirsty stereotype in their mind
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That is no exception when it comes to the bloodthirsty Indian. Countless films have shaped the colonial view of Indigenous people, which only changes with education of traditions and cultures. This is shown in three stages. First, the initial reaction and generation of ideas embedded into them. Penultimately, the spark of curiosity that fuels a change, and what comes with that change. Finally, that reaction of white society to the change that is made. Hollywood is a bloodthirsty place, but the reality of the bloodthirsty Indians is nothing like the stereotypes suggest, and so many aspects of Indigenous cultures are disregarded as savage and bloodthirsty. Works Cited Apted, Michael, director. Thunderheart. TriStar, a.k.a. TriStar, 1992. Costner, Kevin, is the director. Dance with the Wolves. Orion Pictures, 1990. Mann, Michael. A. A. The Last of the Mohicans. Twentieth Century Fox Presents,