Disney's Pocahontas: A Problematic Portrayal

Content Warning: Discussions of racism, cultrual appropriation and genocide against indigenous people.

As a child, I was a big fan of Disney's animated films. My sister and I eagerly expected each new release, and our parents would always take us to the theater to see them. We also owned the VHS tapes and would watch them repeatedly. One of our favorites was Pocahontas, the first Disney film to feature an Indigenous princess as the main character. I loved the movie, the toys, and the soundtrack.

However, my perspective shifted in fifth grade when my teacher provided a more comprehensive education on Indigenous American history. We learned about the diverse tribes and cultures integral to the country's identity for over 35,000 years. We also learned about their struggles and the invasion of their lands by white settlers. Our teacher didn't shy away from the harsh realities, discussing events like the Spanish invasion of Mexico and its devastating impact on the Aztec people. She challenged the traditional narrative of the First Thanksgiving, presenting it as anything but a peaceful gathering between Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people.

We even learned the true story of Pocahontas, whose real name was Matoaka. Our teacher took us on a field trip to the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner, New Hampshire, where we gained a deeper understanding and respect for indigenous cultures. We were assigned individual projects on different tribes, and I focused on the Sioux Nation.

In eighth grade, our history teacher taught us about US Western expansion from the perspective of the Indigenous tribes, who experienced it as an invasion of their land. This led to the near extinction of the American bison and other species in the Western United States. During this time, I saw Disney's Pocahontas in a new light. The film's portrayal of history and indigenous culture now seemed more disturbing than magical.

In this essay, I will discuss the problematic aspects of Pocahontas and why it's crucial to examine the film through a more critical lens.

What is Pocahontas about?

Disney's 1995 animated film, Pocahontas, offers a fictionalized account of the 17th-century encounter between the Powhatan princess and English settler Captain John Smith. The film has been criticized for its romanticized portrayal of their relationship and inaccurate depiction of history and indigenous culture. While the film promotes themes of environmentalism, love, and harmony, its problematic representation of historical events and cultural dynamics overshadows these messages. A critical analysis of the film reveals its shortcomings in portraying the complexities of colonialism and the experiences of indigenous peoples.

1. Historical Inaccuracies and Distortion of History: Disney's Pocahontas presents an inaccurate picture of the life of Matoaka (Pocahontas's real name). The film depicts Pocahontas as a young adult involved in a romantic relationship with John Smith. In reality, Pocahontas was only around 11 or 12 years old when she met Smith, and their relationship was not romantic. Additionally, the film's portrayal of a peaceful resolution between the Indigenous people and English settlers ignores the subsequent violence, colonization, and exploitation. Archiving the film could help prevent the perpetuation of this false narrative, which oversimplifies and romanticizes a brutal chapter in American history. Moreover, the film downplays the trauma of colonization and its lasting impact on Native communities.
2. Cultural Insensitivity and Misrepresentation: Disney's Pocahontas is a problematic example of cultural appropriation. The film's creators failed to consult with the Powhatan tribe, the actual people of Pocahontas's heritage. This lack of authentic input led to a portrayal of Native American culture that is inaccurate and superficial. Although the film features some Native American voice actors, it ultimately presents a distorted version of their culture, filtered through a predominantly white perspective. By using Native American imagery and narratives to serve a fictionalized story, the film diminishes the true complexity and diversity of Native American cultures and their histories.
3. Perpetuation of Harmful Stereotypes: Disney's portrayal of Pocahontas, while showcasing her strength and independence, falls short in representing the true complexities of Native American women. The film emphasizes her physical beauty and spiritual connection with nature, overshadowing the realities of her life and culture. Moreover, the depiction of the Powhatan tribe as "mystical" and "noble savages" perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Indigenous peoples, portraying them as primitive rather than as complex societies with rich histories. Archiving the film could help prevent these stereotypes from being further ingrained in future generations.
4. Lack of Authentic Representation: Disney's Pocahontas lacks an indigenous American perspective or voice, resulting in an unbalanced and misleading portrayal. The film uses Matoaka's (Pocahontas) story for entertainment and the emotional development of white characters rather than accurately representing Indigenous experiences. Contemporary audiences increasingly demand authentic representation of marginalized groups. Many indigenous creators today could offer more accurate and respectful portrayals of indigenous peoples' stories.
5. Cultural Appropriation in the Disney Princess Line-Up: Disney's portrayal of Pocahontas as a fairy-tale princess within their franchise is a contentious issue. This representation diminishes the historical significance of a real-life figure and her people's struggles by adapting them into a fictional narrative that aligns with Disney's brand. Consequently, the serious challenges faced by Native Americans are misrepresented and trivialized, serving merely as a backdrop for a fantastical story. Instead of incorporating figures like Pocahontas into a commercialized brand that undermines the weight of their stories, Disney should prioritize creating platforms for accurate and respectful portrayals of Indigenous people.
6. Shifting Cultural Context and Sensitivity: In today's world, cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy are paramount. The film Pocahontas doesn't meet current standards for representation. While it was made in a time when these issues weren't as widely recognized, we now understand that stories about marginalized groups must be told authentically and respectfully. Removing Pocahontas from circulation is a step toward ensuring that media and entertainment accurately reflect the diversity, history, and complexity of all cultures. Disney should prioritize storytelling that empowers, rather than distorts.
7. Matoaka, The Historic “Pocahontas”, Lived a Tragic Life: The Disney film Pocahontas presents a romanticized and inaccurate portrayal of the real-life Matoaka. Matoaka's life was one of tragedy and loss, marked by abduction, forced religious conversion, and exploitation as a political pawn. Her marriage to John Rolfe was not a love story but a strategic move by colonizers. Taken to England as a symbol of colonization's success, she was stripped of her identity and paraded before European audiences. Matoaka's untimely death at the young age of 21, possibly because of poisoning, highlights the systemic violence inflicted upon Indigenous women, both historically and in the present day. She is one of the first documented cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), a crisis that continues to plague Indigenous communities. Disney's portrayal of Matoaka as a fictionalized heroine erases the trauma and violence she and her people endured. Archiving the film Pocahontas would be a step towards honoring her memory and acknowledging the importance of presenting Indigenous stories with truth, respect, and a commitment to addressing ongoing issues like the MMIWG crisis. This action would signify recognition of the harm caused by perpetuating false narratives and a move towards amplifying authentic Indigenous voices.

Disney's Pocahontas is a film that, while potentially nostalgic for some, is significantly flawed. Its romanticized depiction of colonization, exclusion of authentic Indigenous voices, and perpetuation of harmful stereotypes cause a critical reevaluation. By examining the film through a contemporary lens, we can acknowledge its shortcomings and advocate for improved representation of Indigenous peoples and their stories in media. Progress can be achieved by amplifying Indigenous creators and ensuring future portrayals are grounded in respect, authenticity, and justice. Recognizing the harm caused by Pocahontas is not about erasing history; it's about learning from it and fostering a more inclusive and accurate cultural narrative.