Thanksgiving inspires many to contemplate things in life that are worth giving thanks. For Native Americans - or if you're politically incorrect, Indians - it recalls a monumental occasion: when their ancestors extended a helping hand to colonists who shortly thereafter tried to exterminate their way of life. Not only did the "white man" take their land and kill countless numbers of men, women and children, but they shipped the ones who survived off to the hottest, ugliest, driest plots of land in the country - and built casinos. Wonder why the Native American rate of alcoholism is so high?
Oh yeah, popular culture also exploited Native American's tumultuous history and "savage" reputation, creating Disney characters, offensive names for sports teams, etc. But in the end, the "white man" finally made it up to the poor people who inhabited this country before anyone else - they put Sacagawea on a gold dollar ... that no one uses or even considers real money. To do our part in inspiring an appreciation for this abused race, we've compiled a list of ten remarkable Indians.
10. Pocahontas: As per usual, Disney's version of Pocahontas' tale, with her animal friends and mad kayaking skills, is far more cheerful than her actual story. After saving John Smith's life, she was eventually captured by a group of Englishmen and held for ransom. During her captivity, she met and married John Rolfe, who took her to England, where she was touted as a civilized heathen. She died soon afterward, lonely and without any animal friends. Happy Thanksgiving!
9. Sitting Bull: A visionary spiritual and military leader, Sitting Bull led his followers to victory during the Battle of Little Bighorn. This success was marred by the utter destruction of the Lakota tribe in the year that followed, as American soldiers sought revenge. Sitting Bull took his tribe to Canada, but was eventually forced to surrender due to cold and hunger. Then, the merciful Americans allowed Sitting Bull to join Buffalo Bill's "Wild West Show." Shortly afterwards, Sitting Bull returned to the reservation, where he was shot by policemen after witnessing the downfall of his people. Happy Thanksgiving!
8. Sacajawea: This ever-so-helpful chick assisted Lewis and Clark as they navigated through the Western U.S. territories. Now she's on the dollar coin with her small baby Jean-Baptiste! It's great - every time you get change from a machine in one of the T stations you are reminded of the goodwill of this lovely Shoshone lady - and incredibly annoying that the evil Charlie Card gods insist on dispensing next-to-worthless money.
7. Little Bear from "The Indian in the Cupboard": Many remember this story from the novel or the 1995 movie adaptation. It goes something like this: Omri receives a cupboard for his birthday - every boy's dream - and discovers that his grandpa's weird and magical key enlivens the action figurines placed inside. The most endearing of those figures happens to be an Indian named Little Bear. Their adventures together are so heart-warming you can almost excuse the fact that the boy's name is Omri.
6. "Dances with Wolves" (1990): Lieutenant Dunbar heads west for one last chance to see the great American frontier before it is overrun by fast food chains and shopping malls. He befriends the local Sioux tribe, who teach him their customs. In no time, Kevin Costner lives in a teepee, sports feathers in his hair and is renamed "Dances with Wolves." This heartwarming tale of one man's discovery of Native American culture and the injustice of the white colonists against them truly captures the era without melodrama or stereotyping (cough). Insert seven academy awards.
5. Jim Morrison's Indian Companion: Native American practices had a huge influence on The Doors' front-man's songwriting, stage performance and general philosophy. If you've seen "The Doors" (1991) or "Wayne's World" (1992), you'd know he frequently had visions of shamans during his incessant acid binges.
4. Kumar (Kal Penn): He did finally make it to White Castle (and also fought Jack Bauer as well as interned for our House - that's a heck of a list of accomplishments). But certainly we all remember Kal Penn for his Indian heritage and acting merits, rather than for his role as Taj Mahal Badalandabad in Van Wilder.
3. Tiger Lily: Peter Pan just couldn't let this sexy Native American be whisked away by Captain Hook. Her dance moves and long black hair were irresistible, but her father was only marginally intimidating. Wendy was pretty annoying, but in the end Pan probably made the right choice. Always go with the chick that's already in a nightgown.
2. Tonto from "The Lone Ranger": Where would the Lone Ranger be without his faithful Indian, I mean Native American, sidekick Tonto? Well, he'd be more alone and less ironic, that's for sure. Even though Tonto was written into the show simply to give The Lone Ranger someone to talk to, he did give us the phrase "kemo sabe," which apparently means "good friend" in Tonto's native tongue.
1. Cleveland Indians: Relatively recently, these hard-hitting Indians graced Boston's own Fenway Park. Unfortunately for them, things didn't quite go as planned. Even the biggest Sox fan can admit that they gave it their all in the American League Championship Series. There's no shame in losing to the best team in the world.
-compiled by the Daily Arts Department
