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I am very glad to see this message posted.   I wonder how long it will be
before primary teachers are using this Disney version to teach the John
Smith/Pocahontas story.   While I don't believe first graders should be
taught about the rape, etc. they do not need yet another Hollywood-ized
version of history.

What's next? Maybe a ride at Disney World?
**********************************************************

Gail Dickinson
Union-Endicott Central School District
Endicott, NY 13760
                        "a wild patience has taken me this far"
                                Integrity  (Adrienne Rich)

On Sun, 2 Jul 1995, study wrote:

> 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.
>


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