Pocahontas — History, Stereotype and Truth

Disney's "Pocahontas" is a classic example of the way American Indians get romanticized in our culture, even today. From the beginning of the interactions between American Indians and the rest of the world, they were painted as "noble savages," these beautiful and exotic creatures who were at once screaming heathens and gentle protectorates of the land. While today's culture has moved towards a more realistic representation of Native peoples, still on occasion some text pops up that once again brings to mind ol

It says a lot about our culture when we are willing to present such an inaccurate representation to children. Disney's "Pocahontas" has little or no bearing on the actual truth of the story, and as a historical reference it is far-fetched at best. Most of us know of or have seen the movie, and know of the "romance" between Pocahontas and John Smith, the dramatic interludes between Colonists and Pocahontas' tribe, and the comic antics of various characters within the story, including a talking tree and a pet raccoon.

Relations between colonist and the Indian tribes were very hostile during this time. Finally, in 1613, Pocahontas was lured onboard an English ship and held hostage in order to force Powhatan's submission. During her captivity, she was introduced to Christianity and baptized as "Rebecca." She also met and fell in love with John Rolfe, a wealthy colonist. After ransoms had been paid and relations between the colonists and the Algonquin tribes improved, Pocahontas' father agreed to her marriage with Rolfe (Sahlman, Sep. 14, 2000).

All in all, the Disney film "Pocahontas" has both good and bad points. The movie was made with the cooperation of some Native peoples, but others condemned it wholly. It promotes some positive issues, such as cooperation, environmentalism and love — but it also depicts many stereotypes and wholly misrepresents an important part of history. Pocahontas, the daring young princess of legend, was more than just a pretty face and a good singing voice! The movie should be watched only if the viewer keeps in mind the truth behind the legends.

Rolfe and Pocahontas had one son, Thomas. In 1616, they traveled to England with a group of colonists and Indians who were received with much interest in the English court. She was also reunited with John Smith, and was oversome upon seeing that he was alive. Pocahontas was a princess even among the English, as her father had been declared "Emperor of Virginia" by King James, and technically outranked the English royalty (Pocahontas De

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