Your Thoughts On The Good And Bad Of ‘Pocahontas’

It’s just a movie. What’s the big deal?

In the past month, we’ve heard that refrain again and again. It was prompted by a Perspective page piece that ran June 11 on the movie “Pocahontas.” Two Native American writers, Faith Spotted Eagle and Martina Whelshula, urged people to boycott the movie because Pocahontas was portrayed as a sex symbol and the historical facts of the story were distorted.

We asked your opinions on the essay and you weren’t shy about giving them. More than 50 men, women and teens wrote, faxed, e-mailed and called Cityline with their thoughts.

And that was our hope. Though it’s just a movie, “Pocahontas” allowed people to explore their opinions on race, stereotypes, Hollywood and political correctness. Read on.

Sheldon A. Christenson of Airway Heights: Demonizing a Disney animated movie that children will enjoy for their own political agenda is nauseating. All I can say for these two hostile, bitter women writers is “GET A LIFE!”

Maurice Smith of Thornton, Wash.: Unfortunately, Disney chose to forsake the depth of the history surrounding Pocahontas in favor of an imaginary love story. How sad that millions of movie-goers will remember this great woman in this way. There ought to be a law, I tell you!

J. Holland of Liberty Lake: The silver screen has always portrayed the leading lady as some hot babe. If young girls haven’t figured out that what’s on the screen isn’t reality they need to take a look around. I’m only a 12-year-old white girl so I don’t expect to be taken seriously.

Phil Mulligan of Spokane: The Disney people should now make some specific gesture toward the Powhatan tribe to ameliorate the discord its movie has generated. Disney would have little to lose and much to gain by doing so.

Nancy Ann Hiatt of Newman Lake: “Pocahontas” is a stunning work of art, not reality, and should be taken as such. It is not a substitute for a history book but a beautifully drawn masterpiece created by hardworking artists.

Anita Endrezze of Spokane: I agree with the writers yet I will still see the movie with my 4-year-old daughter. Why? For one reason, she’s already seen “Peter Pan.” I’d forgotten how demeaning Indians are portrayed in that movie. I had to explain we are not like that. (I am Yaqui.) She will experience stereotypes when she starts school; every Indian does. Think about Halloween when there are “little Indians.” Do you ever see kids dressed like Jews or African Americans?

Bob Heimann of Coeur d’Alene: “Pocahontas” is entertainment pure and simple. I understand the notion that ethnic groups and women have been mischaracterized in arts, literature and the media. Even so, the venom in the women’s article can only bring ill will to a good cause. They need to ease up.

Becky Jasper of Chattaroy: I am curious as to the Native American response to the book “Indian in the Cupboard.” I found it troublesome when my children had it read to them in third grade. I discovered they were using the book after my children came home using mock Indian language like “Me hungry” and “Me kill you.” Where is the discerning parent or school?

Irv Zakheim of Spokane: I am president of a local company that works closely with Disney. “Pocahontas” brings many positive messages to children. The main character is portrayed as an independent, intelligent, athletic woman. In an age when children are frequently exposed to violence, I am happy to take my children to see a film which brings positive messages about respecting nature.

Lynn Truman, Shoshone Tribe, of Elk, Wash.: My non-Indian friends don’t understand what all this fuss is over just a cartoon. But I think the descendants of Pocahontas have just cause to ask for damages due to defamation of character.

Ashley Howell of Sandpoint: I am 12 years old. Many times I have pointed out to my family that in every cartoon Disney creates, the women’s waist gets thinner and their chests larger. “Pocahontas” just proved my point once again.

Nicki Serquinia of Spokane: Before you decide whether to attend the movie, give the issue some thought. When someone of a group different from your own says: “Stop, you’re hurting us,” be respectful, even if you don’t fully understand. We must recognize that what hurts any group in our community hurts all of us.

Patti Kelly of Spokane: If people want to protest movies why don’t they protest Hollywood making crap and leave Disney alone? “G” ratings are pretty hard to come by these days.

Alice Stewart, Sinixt/Arrow Lakes Nation: The only time the Disney corporation appreciates the Indian lifestyle and culture is when they can make a profit. We call them culture vultures.

Merle Warbonnet, Sioux Nation, S.D.: The movie is pure sexual exploitation of the Native female. The movie industry has once again committed cultural genocide against all Native peoples of this land.

Desiree Sinclair of Deer Park: It is so nice to see people stand up against the Disney industry. Disney should either stick to fairy tales or do an honest presentation of what they are showing.

Denise Wickham of Spokane: Why can’t the Native American people be beautiful? It’s ridiculous that an article like that was printed.

Tim Palmer of Moses Lake. I agree with the two ladies. My family can trace its Indian heritage back to Virginia to the time of the colonies. I saw a big rendition of Pocahontas in the Wal-Mart store. My wife says she looks like a Japanese Barbie doll. Her face and body doesn’t reflect any Native Americans I’m related to or have ever known.

Jessica Woodley of Spokane: I think it’s a lot of baloney. It’s a child’s story, a fantastic adventure. It doesn’t have to be true. So it’s not reality, big deal.

Michael Gennario of Liberty Lake: I am very tired of every little special interest group in this country whining about stuff. I’m Italian and I put up for years with movies like the Godfather. “Pocahontas” is a fantasy, not a social message.

Stephanie Massengale of Spokane: I’m a history teacher and I agree with the article. I think it’s wrong for students to see Poc portrayed so incorrectly. She was kidnapped, betrayed by her own people. I think they are doing an injustice to the children of America.

Ted Martin of Coeur d’Alene: It’s kind of ridiculous that a movie has to jibe with everybody’s religion or nationality. You can’t please everyone and no one says you’re supposed to.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: We want your unput Interactive editor Rebecca Nappi would like to hear from you. Write her at The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA, 99210-1615. Or send e-mail to bfqt60f@prodigy.com.