Pocahontas in Perspective
Ever since Disney’s release of Pocahontas in 1995, there has been much disapproval about the historical inaccuracy, character portrayals and stereotypes that are destructive to the Aboriginal culture today. Each of these topics is debatable as they can invoke valuable reflective thinking and discussion. In a nutshell, the film follows the forbidden love between a young Powhatan princess, Pocahontas, and European explorer John Smith. The two hide their love until tragic circumstances result in Smith being captured by the Powhatans, and both groups declaring war on each other. It is only the love that Pocahontas shows for Smith that can teach everyone to be loving and accepting of all. Although the film holds powerful and positive messages that are relevant to all, it should be …show more content…
Released in 1995, Pocahontas was the first Disney Princess movie based upon a historical event, rather than a fairy tale. The intended audience, however, is still children. Those who know the true story of Pocahontas can recognize that it is not a story suitable for bedtime telling – a very young Pocahontas perchance saved the European explorer John Smith, however there was no love element between the two, and Pocahontas was brought to England to be married to another man. Keeping the intended audience in context also changes the elements of the film which should be criticized. Children who watch such Disney films are not often interested in the history, but the characters, animals and songs in which they can relate to. Pocahontas may be the first introduction that many children have to Aboriginal people. Holding this context in mind, the film should be scrutinized for its inaccurate portrayal of Pocahontas as an aboriginal character, and for the biased perspective in which the story is presented, rather than being analyzed for the accuracy of historical
Ever since Disney’s release of Pocahontas in 1995, there has been much disapproval about the historical inaccuracy, character portrayals and stereotypes that are destructive to the Aboriginal culture today. Each of these topics is debatable as they can invoke valuable reflective thinking and discussion. In a nutshell, the film follows the forbidden love between a young Powhatan princess, Pocahontas, and European explorer John Smith. The two hide their love until tragic circumstances result in Smith being captured by the Powhatans, and both groups declaring war on each other. It is only the love that Pocahontas shows for Smith that can teach everyone to be loving and accepting of all. Although the film holds powerful and positive messages that are relevant to all, it should be …show more content…
Released in 1995, Pocahontas was the first Disney Princess movie based upon a historical event, rather than a fairy tale. The intended audience, however, is still children. Those who know the true story of Pocahontas can recognize that it is not a story suitable for bedtime telling – a very young Pocahontas perchance saved the European explorer John Smith, however there was no love element between the two, and Pocahontas was brought to England to be married to another man. Keeping the intended audience in context also changes the elements of the film which should be criticized. Children who watch such Disney films are not often interested in the history, but the characters, animals and songs in which they can relate to. Pocahontas may be the first introduction that many children have to Aboriginal people. Holding this context in mind, the film should be scrutinized for its inaccurate portrayal of Pocahontas as an aboriginal character, and for the biased perspective in which the story is presented, rather than being analyzed for the accuracy of historical