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Similarities Between Inconvenient Indian And Film Dances With Wolves

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The novel Inconvenient Indian and film Dances with Wolves, two distinct works of literature that examine Indigenous history and culture, both make it clear that there are cultural barriers that could limit understanding and appreciation across various tribes. The film Dances with Wolves and the book Inconvenient Indian offer different perspectives on the cultural barriers that exist between Indigenous peoples and non-indigenous settlers. Cultural barriers refrain from the obstacles and challenges that arise from differences in values, cultural backgrounds, norms, communication styles and or beliefs. Both the book and film depict various perspectives emerging from the cultural and historical context, especially among individuals from different …show more content…

One significant example when King explores the background of history and culture context and the impact of sharing stories better understand what occurred in the past and is now looked at as history. “Most of us think that history is the past. It’s not. History is the stories we tell about the past…” ( King pg 2-3). This quote is understood that history is not a collection of objective facts or events, but most definitely a product of stories people tell about the facts. Stories individuals tell are shaped and communicated by cultural biases and inequality, which can impact the way others understand historical events. King’s quote considers the ways cultural barriers and powers others to recognize the subjective value of history and inclusive knowledge of the past. In similarity to Inconvenient Indian, Dances with Wolves presents a different perspective of a historical and or cultural barrier. Towards the end of this film Dunbar partially mentions to the troop that there are not any hostiles. While in his mind the Union Soldiers are misguided and simply seeking to destroy and disrupt the live well-being of the Sioux tribe. “There are no hostiles.” (Dances with Wolves 226). In understanding, this quote thoroughly shows the historical judgment creating a barrier of liking between Dunbar …show more content…

“I was thinking that of all the trials in this life there are some that matter most. It is the trail of a true human being. I think you are on this trail, and it is good to see” (Dances with Wolves 214). This quote exemplifies Dunbar’s new understanding and appreciation of Sioux culture by acknowledging the language and the context during this quote. As with ‘Dances with Wolves', ‘Inconvenient Indian’ also emphasizes the importance of empathy within cultural understanding. In chapter 2, the author Thomas King gives a handful of examples of comparing the whites and the Indians, an American man named Cooper had admitted the strengths and weaknesses for both the Whites and Indians. “Sure, Cooper admitted that Indians were better in the wilderness than Whites, and that Whites were better with a rifle than Indians…” (King pg 29). Such a quote acknowledges the value and giving of different cultures. Cooper’s statement explains how the differences can create further opportunities for mutual respect and friendly learning. Throughout the film Dances with Wolves and book Inconvenient Indian these two quotes best describe the overtake of respecting cultures and gaining empathy, resulting in an immense change and progresses an appreciative

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