Disney's Pocahontas

[study <study204@U.WASHINGTON.EDU>]

Date: Thu, 29 Jun 1995 11:49:31 -0700 (PDT)

Library media professionals and other educators, as well as parents,
should be aware of the opinions expressed in the following memo from the
principal of the Indian Heritage High School in Seattle. This was
transmitted originally over the Seattle School District VAX.

Bill Towner (btowner@cks.ssd.k12.wa.us)
Library Media Specialist, Kimball Elementary School
-------------------------
From:     Robert Eaglestaff (VAXES:REAGLESTAFF)
To:       [ACCTTEAM], [ALT_REGISTRARS], [ASSISTANT_PRINCIPALS],...
Date:     June 28, 1995, (Wednesday) 11:16am
Subject:  Pocahontas and What Disney is Promoting

Educators, please be aware of what Disney is promoting in their release
of Pocahontas. They are promoting racism, rape and child molestation.

Here are the facts: Disney is distorting the historical genocide which
occurred in the story of John Smith and Pocahontas. John Smith was 42
years old (some accounts place him at a much older age). Pocahontas was
an 11 year girl. Yes, John Smith was a child molester. He writes in his
own "Histories," that he did not have a relationship with her, but
basically raped her, left her with child and still saw her as a
uncivilized savage. She did go to Europe, but not on her own free will.
She died at the young age of 21. John Smith never saved any "Injuns"
life, he was trying to kill as many Indians as possible in order to get
their land.

Disney admits that this is not historically accurate. Yes, three well
known Native American actors have conceded to be part of this movie, but
Disney admits that this is not historically accurate. Yes, three well
known Native American actors have conceded to be part of this movie, but
that is what they are "actors". There were many Native American people
who declined the parts based on the script and racist, sexist,
stereotypical slant of the film.

"The way that Pocahontas is presented is as an enormously-breasted,
protruding rear-ended, voluptuous dark, savage. John Smith was the only
blonde-haired, blue-eyed young, studly man on the ship of over 200 men.
The extreme sensual/sexual overtones in this children's animation are
discomforting." (Saraswati Sunindyo).

As an end note, here are some of the lyrics from the movie's sound
track:

Song title:  "Savages"

What can you expect from filthy little heathens
Their whole disgusting race is like a curse
What can you expect from filthy little heathens
Their whole disgusting race is like a curse
Their skin's a hellish red
They're only good when they are dead
They are vermin as I said and worse they're savages,
Savages barely even human...
They are not like you and me
So they must be evil...
Dirty redskin devils...

In another song titled:  "Men of the Virginia Company"

We will kill ourselves an injun maybe two or three
We're stalwart men of the Virginia Company.

This is blatant racism against Indian people. It does affect the
self-esteem of Indian children. I am going to listen how the children
will bring these racist and sexist images and remarks back into the
schools next year. I hope you will not allow this to happen. Do not
will bring these racist and sexist images and remarks back into the
schools next year. I hope you will not allow this to happen. Do not
support Disney by paying to see this movie.