Category: Pocahontas

Disney Studio is one of the most popular and famous in the world, and its films are watched annually by millions of children and adults. Displaying real events and cultural elements is often a more difficult task since the studio is focused on children and family audiences; therefore, romanticizing and smoothing corners is a necessity for obtaining ratings.

However, the Pocahontas story demonstrates that studios need to be more sensitive to historically important topics as the desire to uncover the history of colonization and combine it with a typical princess fairytale was not the best idea. For this reason, the movie received a lot of criticism, although a broad audience was satisfied with the romantic story in general. At the same time, the film industry, like any business, focuses on the demand of the audience. Consequently, perhaps the features of the culture of the late twentieth century also influenced the plot of the cartoon and display of Pocahontas story.

However, even if one puts all the blame for the neocolonial image of Pocahontas on Disney, it should also be noted that since 1996 the image of the race in the cinema has undergone significant evolution. An example of this fact is the movie Moana, which accurately reflected the culture of the Pacific Islanders by using the help of representatives of these peoples. It is still difficult to create the uniquely correct way to show the image of the race in the cinema since this process requires simultaneous attention to the details of ethnicity and a film genre. Nevertheless, on the examples of Pocahontas and Moana, it can be noted that there was a significant shift in the sensitivity of Disney to racial issues, which reflects in the quality of the films.

The movie Pocahontas was created by Disney Studios to show the history of the first years of colonization in a new light and explain why the colonialists did so much harm to the locals. However, as noted by Buescher and Ono (1996), although this cartoon shows the main reason for the cruelties of Europeans, precisely the desire to get gold and land, it does it in a neocolonial style. In other words, cartoon directors use political and socially important themes of our time to justify the characters to some extent.

The central mistake, according to the author, is the image of Pocahontas as a woman who wants to escape from a patriarchal society where she is oppressed and forced to marry an unloved man (Buescher & Ono, 1996).

This image turns Smith into a savior from a colonialist and land invader. At the same time, Pocahontas love of freedom and feminism makes the viewer sympathize with the woman and Smith and desire their union, which, according to Buescher and Ono (1996), would be unlikely. In addition, the cartoon depicts Governor Ratcliff, who is the embodiment of the villain in this story, although it reflects the majority of the conquistadors who enslaved the local population of America. Consequently, the viewer has the impression that Ratcliff is more likely to be an exception or a rare concentration of evil that will be defeated, although the history of colonization tells other things.

However, such a demonstration of history is logical for the genre of childrens animated film, since Disney could not show the whole real story of colonization because of its cruelty. At the same time, the image of the race or local people in the cartoon is, although not realistic, but closer to the truth than decades ago. Earlier, the locals of America were characterized by Europeans as savages far from a civilized society. However, Pocahontas and members of her tribe are depicted in the movie as an organized society with its traditions and rules. Locals wanted to interact with conquistadors and learn from them when they did not feel a threat to their safety.

Much attention is also paid to the depiction of nature and the interaction of Pocahontas with it through various images and the revitalization of the forces of nature. According to Buescher and Ono (1996), such a picture of Pocahontas united with nature is a way to justify colonization as she is part of the background, which must be conquered and educated. However, unity with nature is a traditional part of Native American culture.

Consequently, perhaps Disney only sought to convey the characteristics of indigenous people through such hyperbolic images. However, in general, although the local tribes were not depicted as savages, yet Buescher and Ono (1996) make a fair observation that their ethnicity was represented in a neocolonial way that justifies violence. This aspect causes frustration in me since such a characteristic of local people unilaterally illuminates reality.

At the same time, Moanas movie is an example of a successful Disney collaboration in portraying the culture of the Pacific Islanders. In this cartoon, there are also images of peoples interaction with nature, male and female characters, and even the patriarchal system of society; however, they are displayed appropriately and sensitively. Firstly, the main character is the girl Moana, who goes on a dangerous journey for the sake of her people and does not rely on men (Clements, Hall, Musker, & Williams, 2016). Although the male character, Maui, also plays a vital role in the story, Disney does not romanticize the relationship of the heroes but makes them equally emotionally strong (Clements et al., 2016). In other words, Moana is not a princess whom a male character has to save since she is a hero.

The culture of Moanas people is also displayed quite accurately, and the film reflects the traditional beliefs of the people without emphasis on the patriarchal system. For example, unlike Pocahontas, Moana should take the post of her father as the head of the people but not marry a powerful man. In addition, the very elements of life, traditions, and legends of the islanders are specific, so they found positive feedback from representatives of the peoples living in the Pacific Ocean (Tamaira & Fonoti, 2018).

At the same time, these reviews relate to both the appearance of characters, their stories, and their habits. Tamaira and Fonoti (2018) note, And this is where I felt particularly validated as a woman of Polynesian ancestry  Moanas strapping calves and wide feet! (p.319). Such a positive change in picturing is particularly fascinating as female images in early Disney works are usually too idealized and unrealistic not only in terms of race but also of women in general.

It is also worth noting that the accuracy of the image of ethnicities in the Moana movie is explained by the collective work of the creators of the project and representatives of the people. Tamaira and Fonoti (2018) talk about their interaction, in which all details that were inappropriate and unrealistic to reflect ethnic characteristics were adjusted and changed. For example, the tattoos that cover the body of Maui have been modified to fit the traditional designs used in Samoa (Tamaira & Fonoti, 2018).

The same thing applied to the details of clothing, customs, and the legend of Te K
. Of course, the story is based on fiction, and some characters have hyperbolic features since the moral of the story should be obvious to children, who are the primary audience. However, in general, the film shows noticeable progress in portraying both the race and the female non-princess character by Disney.

In conclusion, two different articles and two different films depicting a race have many similar features, which, however, create distinct images. It is likely that for a quarter of a century, the very concept of Disney films has changed, which has helped to portray both female and ethnic images in a new way. On the other hand, the approach to creating films also has changed, since today, Disney attracts representatives of races to more accurately reflect their features.

However, in both movies and articles, positive elements of displaying aces are mentioned, so it is difficult to the only correct approach or features. Besides, the topics of the movies are very different, and colonization is too difficult to reflect on childrens films. However, these works show me a noticeable improvement in Disneys work and its increased sensitivity to historically and socially significant issues.

References

Buescher, D., & Ono, K. (1996). Civilized colonialism: Pocahontas as neocolonial rhetoric. Womens Studies in Communication, 19(2), 127-153.

Clements, R., Hall, D. Musker, J., & Williams, C. (Directors). (2016). Moana [Motion Picture]. United States: Walt Disney Pictures.

Tamaira, A. M. K., & Fonoti, D. (2018). Beyond paradise? Retelling Pacific stories in Disneys Moana. The Contemporary Pacific, 30(2), 297-327.

In 1995, Disney™ released 3 movies; ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Toy Story’ which are amazing movies with great storylines and not to mention their beautiful animation. The final film was ‘Pocahontas’. Honestly, I was very disappointed when I watched this movie because Disney™ made a lot of mistakes; the iffy plotline being one of the biggest. That said, I believe the criticism that this movie receives is unneeded as making a movie aimed at children about a true historical event is very difficult and I think Disney™ has done a pretty decent job at this.

The movie revolves about the main characters; Pocahontas- the only daughter of a Native American Chief of her tribe and John Smith- an Englishman seeking a new life with other settlers in the New World. At the beginning of the film, her father informs her that he had planned her betrothal to Kocoum; the village’s greatest native warrior. However, Pocahontas’ curious and adventurous nature doesn’t allow that. Unknown to her father, a vision of a pointing arrow leads her to meet John Smith.

This Disney™ movie was inspired by the real story of Pocahontas. In reality, she was the chief’s daughter and also did meet Capt. John Smith, but when this event occurred John Smith was 27 years old and Pocahontas was only 10. Their encounter and how she saved John Smith were also stated by him, and there is no proof showing that they actually met. There is actually more evidence declaring they didn’t meet; Children in Pocahontas’ tribe were carefully watched and cared by everyone in the community, seeing as she was the daughter of the chief, she was most likely heavily guarded and her father knew where she was at all times, so there is a very low chance that she was able to sneak off to meet Smith.

Besides the historical inaccuracy and the lack of a solid plot, it is clear that the animation in this movie is top-notch. I believe that the best-looking scene is ‘Colours of the Wind’. Along with showing a clear message, the song incorporates the diversity of Pocahontas’ lifestyle compared to John Smith’s. Even though none of the songs in the movie

In conclusion, I recommend you introduce this movie to children as it showcases an educational overview of Native American and Modern English culture. It is not a perfect movie but Disney™ did a satisfactory job of creating a film off of a historical event. The historical inaccuracy is also necessary to make this a family-friendly movie. I think this movie has great potential but for now, it is the great 1995 Disney™ classic we all know and love.

The animated film Pocahontas (1995) is based on the topic of miscegenation by Walt Disney Company. The protagonist is an Indian girl who is welcomed and later married to an English settler. Pocahontas is, consequently, assimilated into the English culture, and as the legend goes, she was the first native Indian to become a Christian.

Pocahontas has been described as a good Indian by numerous studies; the 17^th century writers celebrated her marriage as a success by Britons to civilize the natives in their colonial mission (Edwards 146). This paper seeks to look at the contribution of various Indians in the Pocahontas movie.

Further, the significance of the good and bad Indians to the story and to its ideas about Indians is going to be analyzed. This paper will negate the common misconception that native Indians were savages and the fact that they were not influenced by English settlers.

Pocahontas symbolizes a native protector of the whites in the Anglo-American culture. Her story suggests that she rescued Captain John Smith from the Indians, in essence, she rescued America and contributed to formation of a new nation.

Pocahontas has been described as a native who justified the positive impact of colonization of America. In addition, she symbolically redresses the America’s guilt in regards to the natives and continues suppression of the Native cultures. The mythic representation of Pocahontas as America’s Indian Princess not only depicts her as a good Indian in colonial America, but also it has a lasting cultural impact (Edwards 147).

Although the story is told to depict the colonial America, it is not entirely about colonization. It is a miscegenation story with a strong theme of racial diversity and multiculturalism. It depicts the good side of Indians and their transferred and changed understanding such issues as culture, gender and race.

Pocahontas is the first interracial and multi-ethnicity love story of America. Although the film prevented interracial mixing from happening, the body of Pocahontas is explicitly displayed as an animated figure which is visually multi-ethnic. The film associates the gender roles and cultural behaviors with racial characteristics (Edwards 147).

Pocahontas’s character has been used to depict racialized gender roles as a cultural mediator in the film. She is the embodiment of both races. Her character figure is eroticized, for instance, the animated shot where she stands on a cliff as the camera affectionately pans examining her body.

Her hair is blown by wind, and her face is turned up with closed eyes showing her as a beautiful woman. In the shot where Smith sees her for the first time, he aims his gun at her but is suddenly mesmerized by her beauty. Her black hair helps to reveal the legendary qualities of an Indian princess (Edwards 148).

Pocahontas’s beauty performs a significant gender role; she is the native sexual object of the white males from Europe which epitomizes her role. She takes the role of cultural mediator and educates the British settlers as well as the native Indians that the opposing culture is not a threat.

She works hard to demonstrate that the natives and the settlers can co-exist as friends and not enemies. As a good Indian, she welcomed the settlers and appreciated their positive contribution to the changing environment of the natives. To the Britons, she is a sign of racial and cultural assimilation which is important in the contemporary world.

She begins to change the negative misconception that was widely acknowledged by Britons about interracial marriages. Her story had the impact on changing the understanding of the European colonial ideology of miscegenation. Racial intermarriage has been used to build alliances for assimilation of natives in the colonial era (Edwards 148).

Pocahontas is the change that was imminent to native Indians and their culture. In some instances, she disobeys her father’s will to get married to a tribal leader, which her father considered to be her destiny. She falls in love with a European settler and contemplates marriage.

As a rescuer and a peace maker, she rescues Smith when he is captured and mediates the impending war. The message of cultural tolerance is communicated through Pocahontas in the movie. Other good Indians depicted in the film are Pocahontas’ mother and grandmother who encouraged her to continue her cultural mediation.

The grandmother Willow instructs her to become the peace maker while her mother’s spirit appears to bring harmony and assist Pocahontas to succeed (Edwards 149).

The spirit of Pocahontas’ mother represents the good Indians in the film. In the scene where she meets Smith for the first time, it is her mother who helps her to understand English. The climactic rescue scene shows the significant role of her mother as a peace maker.

As Powhatan is about to execute Smith with his club, Pocahontas comes in the way, and the spirit of her mother is heard urging his husband to listen to Pocahontas. Her spirit establishes a matrilineal culture of accountability for enforcing racial harmony and cultural peace. Pocahontas role and character in the film serve to change the general perception of the native Indians as savages.

Bibliography

Edwards, Leigh H. The United Colors of Pocahontas: Synthetic Miscegenation and Disney’s Multiculturalism, Columbus, Ohio: The Ohio State University Press, 2010. Print.

Disney Studio is one of the most popular and famous in the world, and its films are watched annually by millions of children and adults. Displaying real events and cultural elements is often a more difficult task since the studio is focused on children and family audiences; therefore, romanticizing and smoothing corners is a necessity for obtaining ratings.

However, the Pocahontas story demonstrates that studios need to be more sensitive to historically important topics as the desire to uncover the history of colonization and combine it with a typical princess fairytale was not the best idea. For this reason, the movie received a lot of criticism, although a broad audience was satisfied with the romantic story in general. At the same time, the film industry, like any business, focuses on the demand of the audience. Consequently, perhaps the features of the culture of the late twentieth century also influenced the plot of the cartoon and display of Pocahontas’ story.

However, even if one puts all the blame for the neocolonial image of Pocahontas on Disney, it should also be noted that since 1996 the image of the race in the cinema has undergone significant evolution. An example of this fact is the movie Moana, which accurately reflected the culture of the Pacific Islanders by using the help of representatives of these peoples. It is still difficult to create the uniquely correct way to show the image of the race in the cinema since this process requires simultaneous attention to the details of ethnicity and a film genre. Nevertheless, on the examples of Pocahontas and Moana, it can be noted that there was a significant shift in the sensitivity of Disney to racial issues, which reflects in the quality of the films.

The movie Pocahontas was created by Disney Studios to show the history of the first years of colonization in a new light and explain why the colonialists did so much harm to the locals. However, as noted by Buescher and Ono (1996), although this cartoon shows the main reason for the cruelties of Europeans, precisely the desire to get gold and land, it does it in a neocolonial style. In other words, cartoon directors use political and socially important themes of our time to justify the characters to some extent.

The central mistake, according to the author, is the image of Pocahontas as a woman who wants to escape from a patriarchal society where she is oppressed and forced to marry an unloved man (Buescher & Ono, 1996).

This image turns Smith into a savior from a colonialist and land invader. At the same time, Pocahontas’ love of freedom and feminism makes the viewer sympathize with the woman and Smith and desire their union, which, according to Buescher and Ono (1996), would be unlikely. In addition, the cartoon depicts Governor Ratcliff, who is the embodiment of the villain in this story, although it reflects the majority of the conquistadors who enslaved the local population of America. Consequently, the viewer has the impression that Ratcliff is more likely to be an exception or a rare concentration of evil that will be defeated, although the history of colonization tells other things.

However, such a demonstration of history is logical for the genre of children’s animated film, since Disney could not show the whole real story of colonization because of its cruelty. At the same time, the image of the race or local people in the cartoon is, although not realistic, but closer to the truth than decades ago. Earlier, the locals of America were characterized by Europeans as savages far from a civilized society. However, Pocahontas and members of her tribe are depicted in the movie as an organized society with its traditions and rules. Locals wanted to interact with conquistadors and learn from them when they did not feel a threat to their safety.

Much attention is also paid to the depiction of nature and the interaction of Pocahontas with it through various images and the revitalization of the forces of nature. According to Buescher and Ono (1996), such a picture of Pocahontas united with nature is a way to justify colonization as she is part of the background, which must be conquered and educated. However, unity with nature is a traditional part of Native American culture.

Consequently, perhaps Disney only sought to convey the characteristics of indigenous people through such hyperbolic images. However, in general, although the local tribes were not depicted as savages, yet Buescher and Ono (1996) make a fair observation that their ethnicity was represented in a neocolonial way that justifies violence. This aspect causes frustration in me since such a characteristic of local people unilaterally illuminates reality.

At the same time, Moana‘s movie is an example of a successful Disney collaboration in portraying the culture of the Pacific Islanders. In this cartoon, there are also images of people’s interaction with nature, male and female characters, and even the patriarchal system of society; however, they are displayed appropriately and sensitively. Firstly, the main character is the girl Moana, who goes on a dangerous journey for the sake of her people and does not rely on men (Clements, Hall, Musker, & Williams, 2016). Although the male character, Maui, also plays a vital role in the story, Disney does not romanticize the relationship of the heroes but makes them equally emotionally strong (Clements et al., 2016). In other words, Moana is not a princess whom a male character has to save since she is a hero.

The culture of Moana’s people is also displayed quite accurately, and the film reflects the traditional beliefs of the people without emphasis on the patriarchal system. For example, unlike Pocahontas, Moana should take the post of her father as the head of the people but not marry a powerful man. In addition, the very elements of life, traditions, and legends of the islanders are specific, so they found positive feedback from representatives of the peoples living in the Pacific Ocean (Tamaira & Fonoti, 2018).

At the same time, these reviews relate to both the appearance of characters, their stories, and their habits. Tamaira and Fonoti (2018) note, “And this is where I felt particularly validated as a woman of Polynesian ancestry — Moana’s strapping calves and wide feet!” (p.319). Such a positive change in picturing is particularly fascinating as female images in early Disney works are usually too idealized and unrealistic not only in terms of race but also of women in general.

It is also worth noting that the accuracy of the image of ethnicities in the Moana movie is explained by the collective work of the creators of the project and representatives of the people. Tamaira and Fonoti (2018) talk about their interaction, in which all details that were inappropriate and unrealistic to reflect ethnic characteristics were adjusted and changed. For example, the tattoos that cover the body of Maui have been modified to fit the traditional designs used in Samoa (Tamaira & Fonoti, 2018).

The same thing applied to the details of clothing, customs, and the legend of Te Kā. Of course, the story is based on fiction, and some characters have hyperbolic features since the moral of the story should be obvious to children, who are the primary audience. However, in general, the film shows noticeable progress in portraying both the race and the female “non-princess” character by Disney.

In conclusion, two different articles and two different films depicting a race have many similar features, which, however, create distinct images. It is likely that for a quarter of a century, the very concept of Disney films has changed, which has helped to portray both female and ethnic images in a new way. On the other hand, the approach to creating films also has changed, since today, Disney attracts representatives of races to more accurately reflect their features.

However, in both movies and articles, positive elements of displaying aces are mentioned, so it is difficult to the only correct approach or features. Besides, the topics of the movies are very different, and colonization is too difficult to reflect on children’s films. However, these works show me a noticeable improvement in Disney’s work and its increased sensitivity to historically and socially significant issues.

References

Buescher, D., & Ono, K. (1996). Civilized colonialism: Pocahontas as neocolonial rhetoric. Women’s Studies in Communication, 19(2), 127-153.

Clements, R., Hall, D. Musker, J., & Williams, C. (Directors). (2016). Moana [Motion Picture]. United States: Walt Disney Pictures.

Tamaira, A. M. K., & Fonoti, D. (2018). Beyond paradise? Retelling Pacific stories in Disney’s Moana. The Contemporary Pacific, 30(2), 297-327.

Ideologies are sets of actions and behaviors that an individual or society considers right to follow. Most of the time, society judges its members based on such standards of behaviors and actions. Anybody who goes against these standards is often considered immoral and a traitor to the course of society (Sutherland 143). Pocahontas is a movie that tells the heroic story of a Native American woman who meets British colonists and falls in love with one of them, Captain John Smith. The main theme in this movie is a woman’s capability to make her own decisions and stand by them, even during harsh opposition.

The film, however, allows John Smith’s heroic act of blocking a bullet meant to kill Powhatan to overshadow Pocahontas’ role as a hero in the movie. The purpose of this essay is, therefore, to demonstrate how Roy Disney counters the infamous social ideology that demeans women and exalts their male counterparts. At the same time, it also shows the reality about the status of men and women in society; men dominate the leadership and decision-making. Disney portrays women as brave and sensitive through the actions of a female character, Pocahontas, who challenges his father’s authority, but also acknowledges the men’s bravery, using a daring and courageous British Colonist, Captain Smith, who takes a bullet for Chief Powhatan. As such, the movie encourages women to emulate the courage that men exhibit by boldly challenging their bad decisions, no matter their positions in society.

Mostly, people’s ideologies determine how they speak, write, and even relate with other people. They represent people’s values and expectations, especially regarding how they would want life to be. Whenever people speak or write, they pass their ideologies to their listeners or viewers and expect them to endorse or refute them. Therefore, Pocahontas airs Disney’s expectations and views about life, and its production is a sign of accepting his ideologies.

Disney expects people to treat women in a manner that does not demean them, but views this dream as a difficult thing to achieve because men have set very high standards for women to attain. It is, therefore, a hard task for women to fight for a respectable position in such a society. Women need to be more courageous than they are and dare to challenge the men on issues they believe are wrong. The main character in the movie is a woman whom Disney uses to show the bravery that women need to have before they can earn respect in society. Her sensitivity to other people’s feelings, however, is a major setback to her bravery. It makes her sympathize with people who do not deserve sympathy.

In the past, men used to make decisions for their daughters, wives, and mothers. They could not allow them to choose what to study or whom to marry. They made all important decisions for them. Pocahontas majorly proposes a change in ideology to allow women opportunities to make their own decisions. Throughout the movie, Pocahontas opposes most of the decisions that men make for her. She does not fear them or the norms that govern their society.

Her daring and bold character is evident when she opposes her father’s decisions and turns down Smith’s idea of going to Britain with her. She does not fear telling him that it was wrong to fight the Britons. She also openly shows her love for a smith when she clearly knows that her father is against it. Disney uses these actions to advise women to take part in decision-making, especially when the results of those decisions affect them.

Apart from portraying Pocahontas as a brave character, the movie also depicts her as a daring woman. She refuses to marry Kocoum whom her father had chosen as the best husband for her. Her father loves him because of his physical abilities and success in wars. She, however, refuses to marry him because she does not love him. This movie was set at a time when it was wrong for a woman to go against her father’s decision. Pocahontas exhibits a daring spirit by going against this convention. She is opposed to this marriage from the beginning. She does not like Kocoum because she thinks he takes life very seriously.

According to her, a lively woman should not marry a serious man. This belief was against the common ideology among women at the time Disney produced this movie. Most women wanted men who were physically strong. It is surprising that Pocahontas does not go for such attributes. In fact, Kocoum’s physique and achievements in war make her hate him more than she hated him before. This incident, therefore, also portrays her as being sensitive and observant. She analyzes Kocoum before making a decision not to marry him.

When Pocahontas meets Smith, she falls in love with him, and he equally falls in love with her. Pocahontas’ grandmother had predicted that such a thing would happen. However, Pocahontas’ father, Powhatan, has already chosen Koucum for her, and they both expect him to oppose their relationship. Chief Powhatan is enraged by the love affair between his daughter and Smith, especially when it leads to Kocoum’s death.

He arrests Smith and plans to execute him, but before he executes him, Pocahontas comes between them, ready to die on his behalf. She then advises her father to stop being hostile to the British, and he agrees, though. The two groups of people become friendly to each other. Showing a readiness to die on Smith’s behalf, and making peace between the two groups are both acts of bravery, which were very rare among women during that century. Falling in love with Smith against her father’s wish is also an act of bravery (Pocahontas).

Despite intending to show how women are moving away from their traditional place in society, this film also portrays men as being more courageous than their female counterparts. It then challenges them to work hard in order to get fair treatment. The men in this movie do various things that show their bravery. It is very difficult for women to do most of the things they do. For example, while traveling to the “New World,” a storm occurs in the Atlantic Ocean, and their ship almost sinks. In fact, Thomas almost drowns. Smith shows courage by jumping into the water to save Thomas from drowning (Pocahontas). It would have been difficult for a woman in that century to do such a thing. This act shows that men are more courageous and daring than women.

Another incident that portrays men as courageous occurs when Powhatan’s men capture and take Smith to their chief for execution (Pocahontas). He does not cry out or protest. Instead, he remains calm and shows a readiness to die. He, therefore, demonstrates great courage. However, Pocahontas proves that women can also be brave and daring. She asserts Disney’s theme of telling the world that women are also ready to do everything that men can do. She shows her father how ready she is to face death in order to prove to him how much she hated the culture of making decisions for women.

Other than Smith, Thomas also proves to be courageous and daring when he kills Koucom. He is not afraid of what the chief might do to them but only shoots to save his friend, Smith. The chief had chosen Kocoum to be his daughter’s husband. Anything that harms Kocoum would, therefore, infuriate the chief. In fact, when Thomas kills Kocoum, the chief’s soldiers put up a spirited fight against the Britons. If Thomas had been afraid of this fight, he could have allowed Kocoum to kill Smith.

A woman would have spared Koucoum despite his intention to kill Captain Smith. Pocahontas, for example, protests when Thomas shoots Kocoum, yet she knows that if he had not killed him, he could have shot Smith. Disney uses this event to portray women as being sensitive to other people’s feelings, and men as more daring than women (Pocahontas).

Smith also shows bravery when he takes the punishment for Kocoum’s murder on behalf of Thomas. When Thomas shoots Koucom, Chief Powhatan sends his men to arrest him. Before the soldiers could arrest him, Smith voluntarily goes to jail and is ready to die at sunrise on Thomas’s behalf. He knows that Thomas killed Kocoum because he wanted to save his life. Volunteering to die on behalf of somebody else is an act of courage. Everybody fears death and would like to avoid it at all costs. It is, therefore, ironic that Smith volunteers to die when everybody tries to avoid death. His courage is also evident when he takes the bullet on behalf of Chief Powhatan.

When the chief spares his life, he decides to pay him back by protecting him from the bullet. When Ratcliffe shoots the bullet, he sees it in time and throws himself in its way. He gets very serious injuries and has to fly back to his country for medication. This act requires more courage than all the actions that women do in the movie. The act, therefore, reiterates Disney’s message: that women are trying to come up, but still have not reached where men have reached in terms of bravery. Men are more daring than women.

Governor Ratclifee also displays bravery when he attempts to shoot Chief Powhatan. This incident happens when the chief arrests Smith. He prepares to execute him at sunrise. Pocahontas intervenes and pacifies the two groups. Ratclifee is, however, not satisfied. He directs a bullet towards the chief, but Smith throws himself between Ratcliffe and the chief, and the bullet hits him. The chief is well guarded. He has very many soldiers who give him enough protection.

The soldiers are always ready to kill anyone who attacks the chief. Anybody who attempts to kill the chief only puts his life in danger because the soldiers surround him all the time. Ratcliffe uses his bravery to shoot at the chief. He is too daring to be afraid of the soldiers (Pocahontas).

In summary, Pocahontas criticizes conventional social beliefs against women. It seeks to exalt women from their low rank to a position where they can challenge men in decision-making. At the same time, the movie presents a contradicting theme to the main theme by implying that men already have the bravery that women are struggling to get. Roy Disney uses the protagonist, Pocahontas, to develop his new ideology that seeks to bring women to the same level as men. She engages in many acts that depict her as a brave and sensitive woman. Most of these actions involve directly challenging men’s decisions on issues that affect women.

She challenges her father, Smith, Kocoum, and the entire society. Her sensitivity is evident when she sympathizes with Kocoum even when he wants to kill her boyfriend. On the other hand, Disney uses Smith and his friends; Thomas and Rectliffe to show women that they have to work hard to achieve what men have already achieved. These male characters do numerous actions that portray them as more courageous than Pocahontas, who is a representative of all women. Such actions in the movie include Smith’s act of volunteering to die on behalf of Thomas, Thomas shooting Kocoum, and the governor attempting to kill the chief.

Works Cited

“Pocahontas (1995) Full Movie in HD 1080! p.” Online video clip. You Tube. 2014. Web.

Sutherland, Robert. “Hidden Persuaders: Political Ideologies in Children Literature.” Children’s Literature I Education. New York: Agathon Press, 1985. 143-157. Web.