Disciplines
Other Film and Media Studies
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Abstract: This paper looks at the history of indigenous portrayals in popular culture and how it influenced future film makers to create the Native stereotype in film. The purpose of this research paper is to discuss the representation of Native Americans in film and how it affects people’s perception of Native Americans. It looks at the negative associations with Native Americans that viewers tend to think of when viewing cinema, and it discusses the help and harm it has done to the Native American community. I used evidence from classic and contemporary films, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, older genre literature, and interviews from Native American actors to discuss the history and impact that stereotyping has had on the indigenous community. Multiple academic journals were cited, and my use of interviews by Native American actors and film makers shows the complexity of the situation working within the Hollywood system.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - English
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Lara Smith-Sitton
Additional Faculty
n/a
Included in
Native American Representation in Film
Abstract: This paper looks at the history of indigenous portrayals in popular culture and how it influenced future film makers to create the Native stereotype in film. The purpose of this research paper is to discuss the representation of Native Americans in film and how it affects people’s perception of Native Americans. It looks at the negative associations with Native Americans that viewers tend to think of when viewing cinema, and it discusses the help and harm it has done to the Native American community. I used evidence from classic and contemporary films, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, older genre literature, and interviews from Native American actors to discuss the history and impact that stereotyping has had on the indigenous community. Multiple academic journals were cited, and my use of interviews by Native American actors and film makers shows the complexity of the situation working within the Hollywood system.