It's Disney, not a History class. It's really stupid to be upset because of historical inaccuracies.

What bothers me about Pocahontas is not so much the historical inaccuracy, but the fact that they chose to tell a story based on stereotypes and racism. John Smith's story about his near execution was written on several different occasions and doesn't even mention Pocahontas in the first draft. It is true though that they were friends, (not lovers since she was about 10 or 11, that part was added by 19th century writers because of its mythic appeal). Disney's version includes a sexed up Pocahontas, stereotypes about Natives being more magical, noble and more in tune with nature than whites (the Noble Savage trope) and completely glosses over the horror and struggles Natives have endured for 4 centuries by including a cheesy, happy ending. I don't' expect Disney to make a historically accurate Pocahontas (because that would be too depressing and would not sell well) but they could at least be more aware of how they represent Native Americans and be more respectful of the real Pocahontas.

I think as a whole, we should be more aware of how the media represents minorities. If all you see are minorities in a specific context (Native Americans in the Old West, or during the Colonial Era, black people as slaves or living in the ghetto, etc) then that colors how you perceive people of other communities and it can make individuals ignorant of the struggles of real people. Films like Pocahontas only end up as a disservice because it peddles cheap stereotypes and racist tropes.

I don't expect every film to be historically accurate, but I do want films to be more aware what kind of stories they tell, the history behind those stories, and the underlying messages and influences. Disney in particular, is a global company and has a lot of power and influence, so when they do films like Pocahontas, they continue harmful trends and misrepresentation. Stories do not exist in a vacuum, any one who says they we shouldn't worry, or that it's just for kids, doesn't realize that the stories we tell come out of our experiences, how we perceive society and other people. And that stories can be harmful or helpful depending on how we craft them.

The thing is that that's how most people know the story like. They all know Pocahontas as the woman who save John Smith's life and stopped his execution. While, as far as I know that wasn't the real story and Pocahontas wasn't please with that fact. Also John Smith was actually quite a jerk, right? Then again, I'm not really good at History so...
Disney decided to tell the story from White People's point of view, because that was the most know. I doubt somebody asked the Natives to hear their point of view.
They decided to tell the story in the fairytale form not in the historical form so I guess that's why they didn't bother for the accuracy. Also, I guess the movie is only based on the real story/ it's a retelling they weren't trying to make a historical movie/ documentary. So, that's why I don't really get angry about it.
And as long as the Natives are portrayed in a positive light I have no problem with it. And the movie fights racism so I can't really complain about it.
Not sure if the Natives are portrayed how they should because I don't know much about them but hey every racist learned their lesson in the end so I don't see the problem. At least they don't seem to be white-washed, or maybe they are?

manu: It's funny because the people of the Powhatan Nation actually offered to help with the creation of the film but Roy Disney rejected them. When the film premiered there was controversy surrounding the representation of the Native Americans, Pocahontas, and the overall conflict between the whites and the Indians. So yes, the film is a white perspective on early American history and to paint everything as resulting in a happy ending is insulting to say the least.

not really.

I guess.

Not at all. Disney wants to tell their own story loosely based off of history, and there's nothing wrong with that. :)

Historical accuracy issues usually bother me, but not in this case for some reason. *shrug*

Agree completely with Digoenes. The story should not have been touched or made. If it had been made, it should have been made with the greatest historical accuracy, but Disney is not the appropriate company to make the story.

More and less.

Pocahontas is NOT A FAIRY TALE!

I'm insulted that people are using that excuse. There are HUNDREDS of fairy tales that haven't been put to screen yet. Disney could have chosen any of those for a sweet star-crossed lovers story promoting racial tolerance and environmental awareness. They didn't have to choose REAL, HISTORICAL human beings, and completely rewrite their stories.

I don't see anyone getting mad about the ridiculous lack of accuracy in Anastasia... or Sissi...

It really didn't make sense to change so much though. why not just make one up from scratch or base it on a NA fairy tale?

I don't really care

Pocahontas is not a fairy tale and even though the actual movies bore me. when I sit down and look at what happens in the movie I get upset. especially since I did a report on her when I was in elementary and then they shove in this you'll understand English if you listen with your heart, the movie could still accumulate interest if Idk they tried to break down the language barriers the old fashioned way. I know the history we have is handed down by the victors but try to make an effort and respect that these events actually did happen and Pocahontas did exist not to be branded a fairy tale!

i watch the movie for fun