Analysis American Native Discrimination in The Movie Geronnimo: An American Legend

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how discrimination against Native Americans is portrayed in the film “Geronimo: An American Legend” (1993) using a qualitative descriptive method and Gayatri Spivak’s postcolonial theory. Spivak’s postcolonial theory, especially the concept of the "subaltern," is applied to understand how Geronimo and the Apache tribe are depicted as marginalized groups that lack a voice in the dominant narrative. The film portrays the conflict between Native Americans and the U.S. government, but it tends to present the colonial side’s perspective. The struggles of Native Americans are often reduced to stereotypical depictions, portraying them as a threat to the "civilization" and progress of America. The findings of this study show that the film implicitly reinforces negative stereotypes about Native Americans, portraying them as violent and uncivilized. The narrative mainly supports the colonial perspective, where the U.S. expansion into the western territories is depicted as a justified and necessary action for progress. Meanwhile, the Native Americans' struggle to defend their land and culture is only briefly addressed and not given significant attention. Spivak’s approach helps identify that Native Americans in this film are positioned as passive subjects, denied the opportunity to authentically tell their own story.In conclusion, “Geronimo: An American Legend” tends to reinforce the colonial narrative that justifies discriminatory actions against Native Americans. The film fails to provide enough space to depict the complexities of their struggle and instead strengthens the viewpoint that justifies their oppression. Thus, it is crucial for the representation of Native Americans in mainstream media to be more balanced and fair, so that stereotypes and discrimination are not perpetuated. This research contributes to the study of marginalized group representation in media and opens up discussions on how the authentic voices of oppressed communities can be better heard in historical narratives.