Weblog Post 2- "Redskin"

The film Redskin (1929) by Victor Schertzinger contained many important elements and issues. For example, it was a huge step forward concerning the aspects of characters and the film as a narrative. Unlike earlier silent films, Redskin portrayed immense character developments and had an actual storyline for the audience to follow and become invested in. Also, it can be classified as a melodrama for many reasons: it revolves mostly around the decisions of Wing Foot and Corn Blossom and their love for each other, no main characters die tragically, and most importantly it has a happy ending. This was a significant quality of all melodramas during this time. Each narrative began peacefully before being disturbed by some antagonist character, and eventually action led to resolution and a peaceful ending.

Along with breaking boundaries as a narrative film, Redskin also took a huge step forward technologically. The use of color in the film was not only advanced, but it also pertained to the setting and mood of the story. For example, most of the film was in color with the exception of the scenes involving the Native American boarding school. This could symbolize the dreariness and negative impacts the school had on the Native American children. Also, stunts and tricks became more difficult and provided better action sequences for the film. Make-up was also used, especially with Wing Foot, to intesify the mood and expression of the characters.

One theme of this film and the most significant message I took away concerns education. The portrayal of education is completely oppositte the portrayal in Within Our Gates. In that film, education is seen as the tool to help African Americans become "useful" members of society. It is looked upon as a positive addition to their lives. In Redskin, however, education is seen as the demise of the Indian culture in young children. In the case of Wing Foot, being forced into the "white man's" education stripped him of his identity of both a Native American and a man who could fit in to the white society. It is interesting how Wing Foot is taken from his home to be educated for the purpose of assimilating into the white man's culture, yet after completing that education he is not welcome to assimilate. After returning home to his tribe, he is also pushed away and forced to live on his own. Instead of education making his life better, it takes away his identity and forces him to live as an outcast in between two worlds. I thought this depiction of edcucation was interesting and truly showed what occurred with many Native American children who were sent to real Boarding Schools.