By Lorraine Lambert Delalbre
When a generation of children first encountered the story of Pocahontas through Disney’s colourful lens, they absorbed a narrative far removed from the tragic realities of colonization, one that continues to shape perceptions of history, identity and indigenous struggles.
Romanticization of History
Disney’s movie released in 1995, Pocahontas, presents a sanitized and romanticized version of the meeting between Indigenous people and European settlers. The film emphasizes peace, unity, and cross-cultural understanding, but glosses over the true historical context of colonial violence, displacement, and oppression faced by Indigenous people. Moreover, by focusing on a love story and painting settlers like John Smith in a positive light, the film minimizes the broader and tragic reality of colonization. This romanticization shapes children’s perceptions of history, presenting a narrative where colonization is framed as harmonious rather than exploitative. It reflects a Western, particularly American, nationalist perspective, where the violent legacy of colonization is softened to fit ideals of multicultural harmony.
Cultural Appropriation and the Representation of Indigenous Identity
The movie also twists the representation of indigenous identity. The portrayal of Pocahontas and her tribe is often criticized for cultural appropriation, simplifying Indigenous identity and customs for the sake of entertainment. Indeed,Disney’s portrayal of Pocahontas strips her of her real historical and cultural significance, reducing her to a symbol of nobility, exotic beauty, and innocence. While she is depicted as an independent and strong female character, this representation often aligns with Western stereotypes about “noble savages.” Indigenous cultures are reduced to broad, mythical themes, ignoring their complexity and diversity. This simplification contributes to a distorted perception of Indigenous identity in the context of American nationalism, where Indigenous peoples are often portrayed as part of a bygone era, disconnected from modern struggles for rights and recognition.
The myth of the ‘good settler’
John Smith and the settlers are portrayed as well-meaning, with Smith depicted as a heroic, adventurous figure. The tension between settlers and Indigenous people is framed as a misunderstanding rather than as a violent conquest.
This framing reinforces the narrative of the “good settler,” a trope that absolves colonial figures of their role in Indigenous exploitation and genocide. The film avoids showing the true impact of European colonization, such as the destruction of land, culture, and life for Indigenous communities. By creating this idealized version of colonizers, the film supports a nationalist narrative in which the foundation of the United States is built on the “good intentions” of early settlers, rather than acknowledging the darker aspects of history.
Impact on Identity and National Memory
Films like Pocahontas play a role in shaping national memory and identity, particularly in the US, where the myth of peaceful settlement and frontier exploration is a core part of American self-image.
For many viewers, Pocahontas is one of the first exposures to Indigenous history, but the film’s narrative reinforces an idealized version of America’s colonial past. This contributes to a broader cultural amnesia, where the violence and trauma inflicted upon Indigenous populations are downplayed in favour of stories that promote unity and progress. The film also reinforces an American nationalist identity by presenting the formation of the country as a multicultural, peaceful process, obscuring the true cost of colonization for Indigenous peoples.
Consequences for Indigenous Peoples Today
The way Pocahontas presents Indigenous history has lasting effects on how indigenous issues are perceived today. By portraying Indigenous peoples as passive participants in the nation’s founding story, films like Pocahontas make it easier to ignore ongoing struggles faced by Native American communities, such as land rights, systemic discrimination, and cultural erasure. The film’s depiction of a harmonious past can make it harder for modern audiences to understand the need for justice and reparations. It also perpetuates stereotypes that can hinder Indigenous people’s efforts to reclaim their history, identity, and rights in modern national narratives.
The Role of Media in Shaping Historical Narratives
Disney, as a media giant, has a powerful influence on how history is taught to young audiences. Pocahontas exemplifies how media companies can play a role in shaping public perceptions of historical events. For many children, this film serves as their first encounter with Indigenous history, and it leaves lasting impressions. These depictions influence how national narratives are constructed, with entertainment often taking precedence over historical accuracy. The power of media in shaping collective memory means that inaccurate portrayals can perpetuate myths that align with dominant nationalist ideologies, while marginalizing voices that seek to challenge these narratives.
In conclusion, Disney’s Pocahontas is more than just a childhood favourite; it is a powerful tool that shapes how audiences, particularly young ones, perceive the history of colonization and the identity of Indigenous peoples. By romanticizing the encounter between settlers and Native Americans, the film perpetuates a myth of peaceful coexistence and obscures the painful realities of colonial violence. It simplifies complex histories and identities into easily digestible, yet harmful, narratives that align with a broader American nationalist ideology. As media continues to play a crucial role in shaping collective memory, it is essential to critically examine the stories we tell and the impact they have on how we understand the past and the present struggles of marginalized communities.
Bibliography:
Kohn, Eric. “Disney’s Pocahontas Is Not a Feminist Tale.” The Atlantic, 3 June 2015, https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/06/pocahontas-feminism/397190/.
Mansky, Jackie, and Jacqueline Mansky. “The True Story of Pocahontas.” Smithsonian Magazine, 23 March 2017, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-pocahontas-180962649/.
Marshall, Brittany. “How Pocahontas’ Story Became a Legend.” HowStuffWorks, 7 December 2020, https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/pocahontas.htm?s1sid=arqjivjpkd6ewozzrxdsoqbj&srch_tag=opcfiqedtir6vkb6plri35xoozmyc6w4.
Nicholson, Hayley. “Sorry Disney, Pocahontas and John Smith Did Not Have a Romantic Relationship.” The History Inquiry on Medium, 15 November 2019, https://medium.com/the-history-inquiry/sorry-disney-pocahontas-and-john-smith-did-not-have-a-romantic-relationship-43571b09d980.
Schilling, Vincent. “The True Story of Pocahontas: Historical Myths Versus Sad Reality.” Indian Country Today, 16 February 2017, https://indiancountrytoday.com/archive/true-story-pocahontas-historical-myths-versus-sad-reality.
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