Sociological Analysis Of Windtalker

Before discussing the film Windtalkers, it is necessary to address the historical background that is presented in the movie, as well as the role of the Native Americans in the national context. The Second World War altered the way of life for most of the Native American community. Many Native Americans began abandoning their reservations and moved to the cities in search of better jobs and pay; others joined the U.S. armed forces, in order to protect the free world from the Nazi aggression. The War afforded to many minorities an opportunity to assert themselves as equals to the dominating, White majority, as well as a way to improve their finances and professional skills, through the many industrial jobs, all of which were geared toward the War effort. Native American people were not an …show more content…
However, as the movie progresses, a gradual change in this dynamic becomes apparent, with every battle, every enemy contact that the squad experiences. In the face of the common enemy, racial and ethnic boundaries are melting, and the unit’s cohesion and blood sealed friendships, transcends all stereotypes and social boundaries. The film Windtalkers is as entertaining, as it is educational. The depth of emotional and physical struggles that are revealed is overwhelming and humbling at once. The audience observes how the struggles chisel away the ugliness of the racial prejudices, until all that remains is pure compassion, selflessness and love between the members of the squad. One of the particularly interesting scenes is the briefing before the shipment of the troops. The gunnery sergeant acknowledges that the troops are going to the front to take away people’s homes, for the benefit of the U.S. armed forces. His speech echoes the position of the infamous Col. Kit Carson of the 1860’s, who believed that it was “right and honorable to kill the Indians with any means”, in order to gain for the