After having watched the few clips of Pocahontas in class, it's pretty obvious that Disney was presenting a less than savory view of Native Americans in the movie. Pocahontas is the obvious exception, but it almost seems as if Disney is suggesting that Pocahontas is a beautiful, intelligent, desirable woman in spite of being a Native American, not because of it. While Pocahontas is held in the highest regard as the heroine of the movie, the same respect is not given to her tribe mates. Pocahontas is the object of John Smith's desire (as well she should be given the way she is represented,) but the rest of the Native Americans in the film are referred to as "savages" and are all portrayed essentially the same way.
Some people have suggested that this is Disney's subtle way of calling attention to the foolishness of the stereotypes of Indians. Not only do I disagree with that assessment, but it seems to me that this movie has done more the perpetuate those stereotypes in the minds of children who see it than perhaps any other children's movie in recent history. While it is easy for an adult to watch this movie and snicker at some of the tongue-in-cheek references that are made, no one could expect a child to even be aware of what satire is, let alone recognize it when they see it. This movie was likely the first exposure to Native American culture for thousands and thousands of children who saw it. There is no way that these children would be aware of the differences in culture at all, and certainly no way that they would be aware that Disney was making a social commentary on the perceptions of Native Americans.
I think that Disney just rested on their laurels and relied upon tired old notions of Indian stereotypes to drive the plot of this movie. Even if the intent was to highlight the fact that Pocahontas is just like us, and that love is blind, then why wasn't the same treatment given to any other Indians? They are all portrayed as drum-beating savage cavemen, just as they had been in nearly every big Hollywood movie ever to feature them. Is this going to open a young child's eyes and make them say to themselves "Gee, that stereotypical depiction of Native Americans in Pocahontas really opened my eyes to the mistaken perceptions of their culture?" Doubtful. Any time a child goes on to watch another film or read a book that perpetuates these stereotypes, they will seem more believable and palatable because "Pocahontas" has laid a foundation, whether they know it or not, for casting Indians in this light.
I really liked your last sentence about "Pocahontas" laying a foundation of ideas and stereotypes for a child whether they know it or not. It's unfortunate that as a culture we can "teach" a child these untrue ideas about Native American Indians at such a young age and it sticks with them for the rest of their life. Thankfully, as our culture becomes more politically correct (maybe even too correct on some occasions) we can learn the error of our ways though classes like this. But unfortunately, not everyone has that privilege.
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