Reel Injun
Section A: After watching the documentary, what is your reaction to the video? What did you find interesting about the film? Why? Please share three specific examples in the documentary that caught your attention in some way. Why are you drawn to those specific moments in the film? Explain.
I feel emotional and depressed after watching the “Reel Injun” documentary. The most exciting item in the documentary is the escalating loss of identity that Native Americans get due to hatred from other people. The reason for the loss of identity is the level of stereotype and the stigmatized perception that mainstream society has towards the Native Americans. Thus, such actions lead to the destruction of their confidence, loss of self-identity.
The documentary has numerous incidences that catch attention. However, I cannot forget the following examples from the documentary:
- A battle at South Dakota that led to the slaughtering of Native Americans in their land due to hatred from the mainstream society (Diamond et al., 2010).
- The protest against the defamation of Native Americans by the native activist Sacheen, who refused the Oscar Statuette on behalf of the Godfather (Diamond et al., 2010).
- The bold speech of Sacheen in front of the public, addressing the injustices that Native Americans faced in real life throughout the country (Diamond et al., 2010).
I p to the three points due to the episodes of mistreatments of the Native Americansicke who only claimed their properties rightfully irrespective of the negative attitude of mainstream society. For example, the slaughter at South Dakota and Wounded Knee only happened due to hatred (Diamond et al., 2010). Secondly, I was encouraged by the bold steps that Sacheen took to condemn the stereotype attitudes and stigmatization towards the Native Americans and her refusal to receive the Oscar Statuette on behalf of the Godfather.
Section B: After completing Unit 01-03 of this course, what do you know about American Indians or Native Americans? Do you identify as Native? Do you have friends or family members who are Native Americans? Have you ever heard of First Nations?
The Native Americans are the original people of the United States, accounting for more than 500 tribes within the USA that formed the first nation. I am not identified as a native but have friends who are Native Americans. Yes, I have heard of First Nations or aboriginals.
Section C: How would you recognize someone who is Native American? Is there a particular look, sound, or style of dress? A specific neighborhood where you might find a strong Native community? Think about how you would describe an Indian to a fellow student in this class.
The identification of Native Americans is challenging. Nevertheless, the majority have unique language, histories, traditions, economies, religions aaand their ways of life. Thus, their descriptions embrace their way of life, religion, and vevetraditions, among others.
References
Diamond, N., Bainbridge, C., & Hayes, J. (2010). Reel Injun: On the trail of the Hollywood Indian [documentary]. New York: Lorber Films.