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19th March, 2011

Movie critique of the film smoke signal

Introduction

It is from what is conveyed daily by the media be it newspapers or television in form of news or movies that whites get the idea of negativity towards blacks and in extreme cases result into racism. In the same way that they react differently to the different messages they get from the various sources, they express their feelings differently towards what is portrayed. These may be prototypes which are habitual ways of thinking often influenced by data where reality assessment is based on experience and from which people make sense of the complicated and uncertain world. At times these decisions are driven by convenience and emotion with the larger part played by culture and the psychology of an individual. Prototypes aid in assessment of others which is stimulated by categories thought to be marking category membership like skin color which is enough to stimulate the expectations of stereotypic behavior (Leigh, White, Inglis, & Stewart, pp. 60-77).

Subsequently they act as a restraint for people to interpret behavior that is incompatible with their stereotypes. This is what may make a white assume that a black person in a white dominated high status setting is a waiter since they expect blacks to belong to the serving class if not criminal. In turn a black might view a white’s reaction as racist even in the event that it was not meant that way due to the prototype that whites are racists. This thinking normally diminishes racial unity and is passed on ferociously (Leigh, White, Inglis, & Stewart, pp. 60-77).

Its main ideas are those of forgiveness shown by Victor even after he discovers that his father causes Thomas’ parents death and his mother. In addition it advocates for harmonious living as is portrayed in the first scene where Thomas’ parents and friends were celebrating White Independence Day. the film provides a set up that convey the Indian culture where they are supposed to be firm and arrogance as reflected in Victor’s words to Thomas that “I have to teach you how to be a real Indian like a warrior. White people will walk over you if you don’t look it” (Smoke Signals, Sc. 4) and “I said it’s a foul it’s a foul “during basketball practice by Victor (Smoke Signals, Sc. 1). They are also supposed to be proud as Arnold who even had to lie to Suzie (Smoke Signals, Sc. 5) about Victor’s win in the basketball game to make him look good. Victor does not accept his offer for money dismissing him to go find a woman since he does not want him to accompany him to phoenix. This would provide a phonotypic idea to any viewer that Indians are arrogant (Leigh, White, Inglis, & Stewart, pp. 60-77).

The first scene begins with a house on fire that swallowed the first narrator’s parents on 4th July 1976. He was saved by Arnold Joseph alongside his own son Victor and handed to his grandmother There are situations however where some people possess a different trait from those portrayed in stereotypes like when Thomas tells the two white ladies to make love not war making her appreciate the good example of their traditions.

To prove the point that Indians are poor and discriminated against they do not have passports, have to use a lot of money boarding the bus and have to walk some distance to their final destination. They meet Kent from Mississippi whom Victor expects to be of a higher class and thinks she is a liar having been a gymnastic and on a bus despite the fact that Thomas considers her nice (Smoke Signals, Sc. 3). They engage in a debate as to whether cowboys always win or not as a result of their experience with them in the bus. This is reflected when they cannot retain their seats from the Americans. Due to the thought that an Indian can only work as junior professionals (Leigh, White, Inglis, & Stewart, pp. 60-77), Victor thinks Suzie works as a nurse in the hospital. However she clarifies that she is the hospital administrator (Smoke Signals, Sc. 5).

On their way back they engage in an argument about Victor’s father which eventually leads to a car wreck and an accident where a girl is knocked down by their vehicle (Smoke Signals, Sc. 7). They get into trouble with the police who think that they were under the influence of drugs (Smoke Signals, Sc. 8). The victim’s parents; Mr. and Mrs. Heinsisseror had framed them up due to the notion that they could only be criminals. Finally, as they reach their destinations Victor meditates about all the events and remembering his father has a change of attitude and is no longer arrogant. He even shares some of his father’s ashes with Thomas.

In conclusion, Thomas as the lead actor plays an important role in removing the stereotypes placed on most Indians by displaying positivity towards people of other races. Suzie helps Victor and Arnold to reflect leading to the final forgiveness attitude.

Works Cited

Leigh, D., White, L., Inglis, R., and Stewart, M. A free and Responsible press. Chicago: London.

The University of Chicago Press. Pp. 60-77.1947.

Smoke Signals. Dir. Chris Eyre. Perf. Adam Beach, Irene Bedard, Gary Farmer and Tantoo

Cardinal. Miramax, 1976.Film. Sc. 1-9.

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