We Are All Human Beings

"Reel Injun" is a film that gives an interesting insight on how Native Americans have been portrayed in films throughout history.  The film explores many different decades of film, from the beginning when Natives were first introduced in silent films to recent films of today.  Throughout this film, the understandings and misunderstandings of Natives are further explored in attempt to bring better understanding to those who have a misconception about Native Americans.  Included in "Reel Injun" are many clips from various movies such as "Dances with Wolves," "Little Big Man," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," and "Atanarjuat the Fast Runner."  These clips from these various films are used to show how the portrayal of Native Americans in Hollywood cinema has changed over time.
One of the most evident parts of "Reel Injun" is how Native Americans are not treated like human beings.  In films in the 1930s, instead of learning a Native language, instead English was recorded and run backwards.  Also, in many films during this era, actors who were not Native would play Native American roles.  As film evolved, Native Americans were put into films to play their true roles.  However, instead of translating their language, subtitles were added that were completely different than what was actually being said.  Soon after, films began to translate the actual Native American language.  Throughout films in history, Native Americans were not treated as human beings.  "Dances with Wolves" was one of the first films in history to more accurately portray Natives.  No matter who one is, we are all human, and one should always be treated as a human being.