The Problematic Nature of Dances with Wolves

Introduction

Dances with Wolves is a 1990 epic Western drama directed by and starring Kevin Costner. The film follows Lieutenant John J. Dunbar, a white man who befriends a tribe of Sioux Indians in the 1800s. Though the film was praised for its cinematography and storytelling, it has been criticized for its problematic representation of Native Americans and its contribution to a colonialist narrative.

In this article, we will explore the problematic nature of Dances with Wolves. We will examine the stereotypes of Native Americans perpetuated in the film and analyze the whitewashing of Native American history. We will also discuss the cultural appropriation of Native Americans in Dances with Wolves and evaluate the implications of its colonialist narrative.

Examining the Representation of Native Americans in Dances with Wolves

Dances with Wolves has been criticized for its stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans. The characters are portrayed as primitive and uncivilized, with no agency or autonomy. The film’s main character, Lieutenant John J. Dunbar, is presented as an enlightened white savior who helps the Sioux to “rediscover their true selves.” This perpetuates the stereotype of the white man as superior and the Native American as inferior.

The film also whitewashes Native American history. While there are some references to the persecution of Native Americans by white settlers, these references are overshadowed by the romanticized version of life on the frontier presented in the film. This portrays a false image of the history of Native Americans and perpetuates a colonialist narrative.

A Discussion on the Cultural Appropriation of Native Americans in Dances with Wolves

The cultural appropriation of Native Americans in Dances with Wolves is also problematic. The film features a number of Native American rituals, customs, and beliefs, but these are presented in a superficial manner that does not accurately reflect the complexity of Native American culture. Furthermore, the film does not acknowledge the fact that many of these rituals and customs were appropriated from other indigenous cultures.

The film also does not address the impact of colonialism on Native American communities, instead presenting them as living in harmony with the white settlers. This ignores the reality of the displacement, violence, and oppression faced by Native Americans as a result of European colonization.

Evaluating the Problematic Nature of Dances with Wolves

The representation of Native Americans in Dances with Wolves is problematic in several ways. By perpetuating stereotypes and whitewashing history, the film contributes to a colonialist narrative that ignores the realities of Native American life. This narrative is damaging to both Native American culture and our understanding of Native American history.

The cultural appropriation of Native Americans in the film is also problematic. By presenting Native American customs and beliefs in a superficial way, the film misrepresents Native American culture and fails to acknowledge the impact of colonialism on Native American communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dances with Wolves poses a significant problem by contributing to a colonialist narrative that ignores the realities of Native American life. The film perpetuates stereotypes and misappropriates Native American culture, leading to a misrepresentation of Native American history and culture. Ultimately, this problem needs to be addressed if we are to move towards a more accurate and respectful representation of Native Americans.