12 Oct

Role Of The Native American’s In The Wild West

The role of the native American in the wild west is problematical due to the influence of Hollywood. We see the native American Indian in many roles. He is shown as being the wild savage, attacking the settlers wagons. Close ups of native American Indians show a wild face painted and eyes glaring in rage. Then, again, we see the native American Indian as a charming buffoon sitting outside of bars and smoking a pipe. He looks harmless and subdued. Occasionally, we see the native American Indian talking peace with the cavalry that was sent out west to push them further and further away from lands that settlers want. In all of these roles, the American Indian is seen as not being as clever as the Europeans who have come to his country and taken it by cunning and force, both of which he lacks although, occasionally, he makes an effort. Of course, these are European stereotypes and indicative of the European mindset. In Europe, invading peoples were killed or assimilated into the general population. In the United States, the Indian was set apart in reservations. The role of the Indian in The United States is that of an outsider in their own country.

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