Reel Injun

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1484114/

Reel Injun trailer -Reel Injun is a documentary that examines the depiction and history of Native Americans in films. I found it interesting that in the beginning Indians were represented authentically in films. It wasn't until later that Hollywood began the flat portrait of bloodthirsty or supernatural Injun characters. Real American Indians did not recognize themselves in the characters. They would root for the (good guys) cowboys. Among the interesting things I learned watching this movie was that Iron Eyes Cody, the crying Indian featured in anti-littering ads was really an Italian with a Sicilian heritage. He grew up in an Irish Catholic community that was lynching Italians. American Indians had become "in Style" so he changed his name and re-created himself.

 

Along the same lines is this very interesting book

 by Sherman Alexie.