Posted: June 18th, 2015

How do Hollywood films cause harm to Native Americans and to the general viewing audience? Why the focus on sacred lands and sacred rituals?

• Watch the movie<Imagining Indians> and the Essay Final explores the Native American side of the story about images of Indians in Hollywood films.

  Essay Questions: How do Hollywood films cause harm to Native Americans and to the general viewing audience? Why the focus on sacred lands and sacred rituals? Why the focus on Native American extras and stage hands rather than big time stars and celebrities? Based on your viewing of Hollywood films thus far, how did the film challenge your understanding and perception of Hollywood films? [Viewing the film Dark Wind (1991) is optional and is not necessary to complete the essay. However, the film may give you an idea of what the Hopi object about the film.]

  He writes: “Coming from a village which became embroiled in the filming of Darkwind, a Hollywood production on the Hopi Reservation, I felt a keen responsibility as a community member, not an individual, to address these impositions on our tribal lives. Even as our communities say no, outsiders are responding to this as a challenge instead of respecting our feelings. I have come to believe that the sacred aspects of our existence, which encourages the continuity, and vitality of Native peoples are being manipulated by an aesthetic in which money is the most important qualification. This contradicts the values intrinsic to what’s sacred and may destroy out substance. I am concerned about a tribal and community future which is reflected in my film and I hope this challenges the viewer to overcome glamorized Hollywood views of the Native American, which obscures the difficult demands of walking the spiritual road of our ancestors.”

  use at least three scenes from the documentary and be sure to properly cite any other source not used from the film.