Topic: Hollywood racial stereotypes in war movies
In order to properly understand this essay’s topic, one has to know three terms – Hollywood, war movie and racial stereotype. The problem concerns racial stereotypes especially in Hollywood movies. According to Benshoff and Griffin (2009), "since American cinema for the most part functions under the dominant ideology of white patriarchal capitalism it should not be surprising to discover that the most popular films helps maintain dominant cultural attitudes toward African American" (p.78). This paper focuses on how Hollywood represents racial stereotypes in war movies. Stereotypes of African American, Asian and Indian origin soldiers in Hollywood war movies should be examined. Hollywood has …show more content…
Nicolas Cage as sergeant Joe Enders has a very difficult job. He has to protect two native Navajo soldiers at all cost. Navajo language was used in order to send successfully encrypted messages between American troops. Japanese could not break the Navajo Code. The plot is set during Mariana and Palau Islands campaign during WW II. Those two Native American troops were supposed to be presented in a noble way, but in fact they were not. They are fulfilling very important mission. Hoverer, during training, when they were learning how to send encrypted messages, they had achieved the best results. Despite this none of the superiors showed them any respect. On the other hand, they were presented in a better way during combat. Stam (2000) suggests that they had introduced combat techniques from hunting traditions to a modern battlefield (p. 145). What is more, they were masters in melee combat, and in knife fight. None of white soldiers can match them. At this point, primitive techniques and hunting skills are very helpful. Nevertheless, when it comes to socializing with others, they cannot fit into soldier’s lifestyle. Indian individuals are not treated equally in army. Despite their combat techniques they are called ‘ yolks’. Another definition by Benshoff and Griffin (2009) shows that they are also portrayed in a stereotypical way, as intelligent but naive and lacking social skills …show more content…
In addition, the encounter of the two great personalities is presented. The Japanese camp commandant, colonel Saito versus commander Shears who wants to prove the moral and technical superiority of the British. Japanese colonel is presented as someone who is strictly observing the Samurai code. If Americans and British prisoners do not complete the construction of the bridge in time, he will commit suicide, as someone who respects tradition and past. American soldiers are presented as relaxed troops who are proud and are diligent when it comes to building the bridge. However, there is one thing that shows American and British soldiers at the higher level. Stan (2000) says ‘‘they can commit suicide at any moment or they can develop more sophisticated methods of torturing people using incomprehensible rules’’ (p.145). We can predict their behavior. Nevertheless, Japanese soldiers are
In order to properly understand this essay’s topic, one has to know three terms – Hollywood, war movie and racial stereotype. The problem concerns racial stereotypes especially in Hollywood movies. According to Benshoff and Griffin (2009), "since American cinema for the most part functions under the dominant ideology of white patriarchal capitalism it should not be surprising to discover that the most popular films helps maintain dominant cultural attitudes toward African American" (p.78). This paper focuses on how Hollywood represents racial stereotypes in war movies. Stereotypes of African American, Asian and Indian origin soldiers in Hollywood war movies should be examined. Hollywood has …show more content…
Nicolas Cage as sergeant Joe Enders has a very difficult job. He has to protect two native Navajo soldiers at all cost. Navajo language was used in order to send successfully encrypted messages between American troops. Japanese could not break the Navajo Code. The plot is set during Mariana and Palau Islands campaign during WW II. Those two Native American troops were supposed to be presented in a noble way, but in fact they were not. They are fulfilling very important mission. Hoverer, during training, when they were learning how to send encrypted messages, they had achieved the best results. Despite this none of the superiors showed them any respect. On the other hand, they were presented in a better way during combat. Stam (2000) suggests that they had introduced combat techniques from hunting traditions to a modern battlefield (p. 145). What is more, they were masters in melee combat, and in knife fight. None of white soldiers can match them. At this point, primitive techniques and hunting skills are very helpful. Nevertheless, when it comes to socializing with others, they cannot fit into soldier’s lifestyle. Indian individuals are not treated equally in army. Despite their combat techniques they are called ‘ yolks’. Another definition by Benshoff and Griffin (2009) shows that they are also portrayed in a stereotypical way, as intelligent but naive and lacking social skills …show more content…
In addition, the encounter of the two great personalities is presented. The Japanese camp commandant, colonel Saito versus commander Shears who wants to prove the moral and technical superiority of the British. Japanese colonel is presented as someone who is strictly observing the Samurai code. If Americans and British prisoners do not complete the construction of the bridge in time, he will commit suicide, as someone who respects tradition and past. American soldiers are presented as relaxed troops who are proud and are diligent when it comes to building the bridge. However, there is one thing that shows American and British soldiers at the higher level. Stan (2000) says ‘‘they can commit suicide at any moment or they can develop more sophisticated methods of torturing people using incomprehensible rules’’ (p.145). We can predict their behavior. Nevertheless, Japanese soldiers are