Reel Injun: Injustices towards Native North Americans

Reel Injun: Injustices towards Native North Americans In this documentary, Reel Injun, by Neil Diamond, the director explores how Native North Americans were treated and shown in media from the early 20th century to the present. The documentary explores the negative stereotypes and mistreatment Native North Americans faced. The amount of negative depictions and inaccurate stereotypes about Natives in film played a significant role in the hatred towards Native People, and reinforced the stigmatized views that mainstream society already had towards them. As a result, their confidence had been destroyed and their self-identity lost, as their ideas of who they truly were as people had been abandoned. This documentary is an exploration of how the portrayals and treatment of Natives, not only in film, but also in real life, progressed over time. Neil Diamond begins his film by exploring the origins of Native stereotyping in movies. In early films, Natives were always portrayed with more of a positive image as opposed to a negative one. This was shown in films such as The Silent Enemy, where respect was given for the way of Native tribes and showed Natives as noble savages, who were brave and courageous warriors that were in sync with nature. The movie featured real Native actors such as Chief Buffalo Child Long Lance, who played as a hunter in the film, and was considered one of the most noble Natives at the time. Although the film consisted of positive stereotypes, these same stereotypes were ones that portrayed Native North Americans as less than human, in other words, as second-class citizens. Even though Natives continued to succumb to the motives of the White man, The Silent Enemy, showed them as gentle individuals that continued to show respect for others, never surrendering or holding a grudge, but rather, wanting to live in a peaceful coexistence with White people. However, the film did not become a box-office success; society was uninterested in films that showed the ways Natives lived their lives, and were more fixated on comedic movies, beautiful love stories, and action packed adventure stories. People wanted to get away from their own lives, and wanted to jump into something that made them feel happy; no one wanted to pay for a film that evoked pain and showed the mistreatment of Natives, when they could pay for a movie that made them feel entertained. Before films veered off into depicting Natives as brutal savages, one could say that this movie had a major impact on the analysis of Natives throughout history. Following these positive stereotypical movies, Western films became the norm. A more pronounced negative portrayal of Native North Americans arose, and people loved seeing the Natives become target practice for cowboys. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Great Depression had taken a toll on people; they were looking for an enemy, and it just so happened that Natives were their ragdolls for anger. Native people began to become severely disrespected and inaccurately depicted in films. Directors were going so far that they began to show Natives speaking a sort of Tonto speech, where English is played backwards, making Native people look like uneducated, uncivilized and most importantly, brutal savages; as opposed to the noble savages they were once shown as. Perhaps the biggest movie to ever destroy a total cultures way of life and reduce it to a mere thought, would be Stage Coach. Released in 1939, the film shows a group of White travelers and their journey across the Wild West towards New Me xico. The travelers were very fearful of being violently ambushed by savage Natives, who are made out to be unethical and merciless. The film stars cowboy actor John Wayne, a very patriotic American that makes Native people not only his practice targets, but makes them seem like ruthless, brutal savages who have no regard for human life and are out to get the Americans. The film was so discriminatory towards Native North Americans that it made the Natives themselves think that they should distance themselves from their own culture, not only for fear of being targeted, but because they had started to believe in these falsely concocted stereotypes. Stage Coach along with many other films at the time, caused a lot of Native North Americans to lose their sense of identity, and because of this, turned them towards substance abuse and provoking fights with their societal counterparts. Nonetheless, the assassination of Native character done by Hollywood, provided the foundation for the agg ressive behaviors of Natives in this time of heightened socio-economic issues. However, after a few decades of negative depiction in film, Natives were starting to be portrayed positively again. The 1970s for Natives was what one could call a sort of Renaissance period, as it was a major turning point in the portrayal of Native North Americans. This period started with The Occupation of Alcatraz, in 1969, where around one-hundred Native people occupied Alcatraz island in protest to the government and their land treaties. Alcatraz was always originally sacred Native land, and protestors wanted to buy the land back for the same amount they had been offered for it, which was just a few dollars. The occupation became infamous and people from all over the world took notice, especially the man who later became The Voice of Alcatraz, Lakota activist John Trudell. Trudell had started a radio show that explained the reason for the protest and describing other issues Native people faced in America and the world. He is known as one of the most influential people involved in the whole escapade, and his presence brought an energetic spark to the peoples voices. Although the occupation of Alcatraz eventually did collapse, it is still widely regarded as a symbol of Native North Americans desires for unity and authority in a White America. Following the attention that Alcatraz gained, two significant things happened, the American Indian Movement (AIM) which aimed to fight back against all the false identities, stereotypes and mistreatment Natives faced in film and in real life, arose; as well as the release of Billy Jack in 1971. In essence, Billy Jack was a representation of a Native action hero, who used violence to enact justice. The character was half-Indian, and would fight anyone who disrespected Native people or the law. He was basically an embodiment of not only hope, but all the angst and anger the 70s brought for Native people, and was retaliating for all the negative stereotypes Native people faced by doing what they could not, that is, fight against the oppressors. Reel Injun also mentioned a battle that took place in South Dakota, more specifically, at Wounded Knee, where hundreds of Natives were slaughtered. The government was retaliating for the Battle of the Little BigHorn in the late 19th century, and their goal was to fight against the Native Americans who had taken a town under its control, in hopes of having the government honor its previously agreed upon terrestrial treaties and rights that had went undelivered for so long. Despite the push of the United States government, the Natives continued to fight back and never surrendered, which led to the deaths of many men, women and children. During this conflict, in 1973, American actor Marlon Brando, famous for his role in The Godfather, had a Native activist named Sacheen Littlefeather boycott the Oscar ceremony by refusing Marlons Oscar Statuette on his behalf. This was done in hopes to protest the widespread defamation of Native North Americans in Hollywood film. Her speech in front of the public addressed the injustices Natives faced not only on the big screen, but in real life, more specifically throughout the country and the massacre occurring at Wounded Knee. People saw this speech from this hippie as inspirational, and her message was welcomed for the most part, by applause and open arms, which led to a newfound appreciation for Native people. Suddenly, being Native was the thing, as Americans liked the idea of the free and spiritual hippie and drew similarities with Native and hippie culture. Throughout these eighty years or so, the widespread propaganda of Native North Americans in Hollywood film was an up and down struggle. As described by Neil Diamond, the director of Reel Injun, Natives were first portrayed as the humble and noble savages, very attached with nature and respectful in their coexistence with the White American. In fact, the Natives were the ones that helped these men adjust into their lives in North America in the first place, yet in later years, culturally destructive films such as Stage Coach described them as brutal savages who showed no mercy and were as ruthless as possible when torturing these White folk. Later of course, this notion came full circle as the public took notice through the constant lobbying and pushing efforts of not only Native activists like John Trudell and Sacheen Littlefeather, but Hollywood actors like Marlon Brando as well. American people learned that Natives are more than their traditional regalia, with feathers and face-pai nt, rather they are real human beings, and that all human beings are different and deserve to be treated equally.

Product Launch Plan -Team-Mkt 571

Altadena Computer: Product Launch Plan Team X MKT 571 Altadena Computer: Product Launch Plan Product Description Product Positioning Targeting Market Needs In 2009 approximately 870,000 full-time students were attending Canadian universities. The highest percentage increase of enrollment for undergraduates was in British Columbia (6. 4%) and the highest percentage increase of enrollment for graduate students was in Prince Edward Island (38. 1%) (AUCC. ) With so many students, Altadena Computers has a large base to target and market their special brand of customized laptops. Because of to the economic downturn the prediction in Canada reflects more people returning to college to increase their job marketability. In 2009, an increase of 4. 1% in undergraduate programs and an increase of 7. 2% in graduate programs validate the predictions. Altadena aims to provide quality merchandise that lasts longer than a few years, replacing the laptop will not be a concern for the student. Altadena employees rely on the students to guide them in designing the perfect laptop. Channel Strategy Market Potential Below is data collected by World Bank of Internet user percentages for United Kingdom and Canada. The trend of Internet use has significantly increased, doubling in the past decade. In 1990, domestic and international Internet usage was merely nonexistent and has steadily progressed past the year 2000. In 2007, Canada’s Internet usage inclined to 72. 8% while the United Kingdom ascended at 71. 7% and is steadily increasing into 2008. {draw:frame} Case # 1 – Domestic Location – Canada In 2007 Canada’s population reached 33. 0 million. Using the population data, Altadena Computers can estimate potential buyers within Canada. Internet percentages will be valuable in determining the average annual consumption and a measureable selling price of $950 per laptop. This price may be considered an expensive pecuniary; however, Altadena Computers must realistically visualize price and profits of the investment. At a selling price of $950 per laptop, customer base of 3,300,000, and an annual consumption of 10 percent of Internet users, 7. 28%, Altadena Computer’s market potential is calculated at $228,228,000. Case #2 – International Location – (United Kingdom) SWOT Analysis (Canada & England) SWOT Analysis (Canada & England) Threats and opportunities are equally justifiable. Yes, Altadena Computers may be a new player in the game but that does not determine a disqualification for Altadena Computers. This only symbolizes a significant role on behalf of Altadena Computers to orchestrate diligence and effective market strategies to compete with existing and forthcoming competition. Currently, management anticipates threats because of increasing competition, transportation costs, pecuniary regulations enforced by the government, and demographic shifts in the market. However, as there are threats, opportunities also exist. Altadena Computers does more than provide college students with cost effective, premium service laptops, Altadena Computers is providing essential tools and contributing to society’s development. Consider Canadian Internet usage in 2008. According to the Publications section of the World Fact Book, â€Å"Internet usage in 2008 was 25. 086 million users from a population of 33. 487 million residents. † Most Internet users are â€Å"educated† meaning they have at least an undergraduate degree. Therefore, it is imperative that Altadena Computers provide this service to college students because laptops are in high demand for students. Competition In a market of such magnitude, competition is expected to be fierce and strong. Dell, Hewitt Packard, Wal-Mart, MicroCenter, and Fry’s are some of the few dominant competitors in the industry. With the exception of Dell Computers, conveniences these businesses present are their ability to showcase products and provide instant gratification. Customers can assess the product and leave with their merchandise. Although instant gratification is necessary for some consumers, not all customers require their product instantly. Some would prefer to build their laptop necessities and incur offering provided by Altadena Computers. The logic here is not to dismiss the competition; for the possibility of that occurring is relatively short lived. Altadena Computers is a new and emerging business in the industry. Many lessons can be learned that can be applied that were previously encountered by the competition. Marketing Objectives and Strategy Pricing Market Communication: Canada and England Communication in marketing channels can serve as the process by which influential information is conveyed, shared decision making is encouraged, programs are created, power is put into effect and commitment and loyalty are built. Communication is the bond that holds together channels of distribution. Marketing communication builds awareness of a business, its products and the business’s position through customer interaction materials such as brochures, press releases, web sites and other forms of direct, indirect and interactive marketing. Marketing communication represents the â€Å"voice† of the brand and is one way to establish a dialogue and build relationships with consumers (Kotler & Keller, 2007, p. 279). Altadena Computer Company must have an in-depth understanding of the company’s target audience and the process of buying, selling, and communicating to customers. Marketing communications are the means by which firms attempt to inform, persuade, and remind consumers—directly or indirectly—about the products and brands they sell (Kotler & Keller, 2007, p. 279). The marketing communication mix consists of six major modes of communication (Kotler & Keller, 2007, p. 279): Sales Promotion is short-term incentives to encourage trial or purchase of a product or service. Public relations and Publicity are programs promoting or protecting company or product image. Direct marketing is the use of mail, telephone, fax, e-mail, or solicit response or dialogue from specific customers and prospects. Personal selling is face-to-face interactions with prospective purchasers for the purpose of making presentations, answering questions and procuring orders. Publicity: Canada and England Distribution Strategy: Domestic and International A distribution strategy describes how a business will generate and persuade demand for a product or service. Distribution Strategy involves shifting products for point of formation to points of utilization by the end user, in a cost-effective method. Distribution strategy will identify how a business will manage the brand. Distribution strategies come is various forms: (1) manufacturer ? consumer, (2) manufacturer? retailer? consumer, or (3) manufacturer? wholesaler? etailer? consumers. The process can involve longer channels including agents and brokers Types of Distribution Channels Canada and England Distribution Strategy The primary distribution for Altadena Computer domestic and international customer will be manufacturer to customer. The customer will have access live assistance to make orders and ask questions, through the Altadena Computer website or with a customer service representative that has the knowledge and ability to service Altadena Computer customers. Altadena Computers Distribution Strategy Altadena Computers must take advantage of the distribution opportunities. For example, gaining permission from domestic and international educational institutions to place brochures in the building were students have access to the information. Another distribution opportunity is setting up a demonstration area at domestic and international universities and colleges to provide information and a glimpse at the product to the potential customer. Customers preferring to buy online will have to fulfill orders and allow Altadena Computers to sell directly to customers. Customers can also engage in another distribution strategy with Altadena Computers specialized customer service representatives to close deals. Altadena Computers distribution program will focus on the needs of the customer. Financial Information Market Research Conclusion References Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (2009. ) Retrieved March 7, 2010 from http://www. aucc. ca/publications/media/2009/enrolment_10_22_e. html https://www. cia. gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ca. html https://www. cia. gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uk. html Common Wealth (2009) United kingdom. opulation. Retrieved 3-7-2010 http://www. thecommonwealth. org/YearbookHomeInternal/139560/ Kotler, P. & Keller, K. (2007). A Framework for Marketing Management (3rd ed. ) New Jersey: Pearson-Prentice Hall. Kotler, P. and Keller, K. L. (2006) Marketing management (12th Ed. ) New Jersey: Pearson- Prentiss Hall. Statistics Canada (2009) Population and demography. Re trieved 3-7-2010 http://www41. statcan. gc. ca/2008/3867/ceb3867_000-eng. htm World Bank, World Development Indicators (2010) Internet_ users as percentage of _ population. Retrieved 3-7-2010 http://www. google. com/publicdata

Research into Hindu culture Essay

†¢Pyol: The pyol is a sort of front stoop where Indians often visit with neighbours and watch the world go by †¢Austerity : Noun the trait of great – denial †¢Prostrate: to cast oneself face down on the ground in humility. †¢Chappattis : A flat unleavened round shaped bread of northern India. Made of wheat flour, water and salt †¢Tapas: (noun) Hinduism religious austerity. †¢Hobnobbed : to associate on very friendly terms †¢Sarayn : The Sarayn is an ancient river that flowed through what is now the modern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is often considered to be synonymous with the modern Gharghara river tribitutary of it. The Sarayn played a vital role for the city and life of Ayodhya, as according to the great Hindu epic,the Ramayana,is where Rama,the seventh Avatara of Vishnu immersed himself to the return to his eternal, real Mahavishnu form, when he retired from the throne of Kosala. His brothers Bharata and Shatrughna also join him, as do many devoted followers. The Sarayn is also the river, upon banks King Rama was born. †¢Mantap : a porch or vestibule of the Brahman temple. †¢Banyan tree : In Hindu religion the Banyan tree is considered sacred. It represents eternal life because of its ever-expanding branches. †¢Swamiji: Is primarily a Hindu honour title, loosely akin to â€Å"master â€Å"or â€Å"teacher†. It comes from the word Sanskritt and means â€Å" owner of oneself†, that is, a complete mastery over instinctive and lower urges. It is a title that is added to ones name to emphasize learning and mastery of a specific field of knowledge, most often religious or spiritual. In Hinduism, when one becomes a swami, one is considered to be liberated from material desires. Swamis have full control over their bodies, and are all-knowing. Many Swamis no longer need to eat or sleep. Receiving all of their energy from God. Many Swamis in India stay up in the mountains meditating. **** The short story â€Å" House opposite† is not marred by complexity or confusion , it merely observes the sentimentality, emotional and spiritual  norms imposed on human relationships and its implication with ideology superiority

Perseverance in Robert Frosts Stopping by Woods on a...

Perseverance in Robert Frosts Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening Epictetus once wrote, First say what you would be; and then do what you have to do. This aphorism of self-discovery and obligation clearly describes Robert Frosts poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. In the course of the poem, Frosts speaker is confronted with two choices: he can either forget his problems or he can follow through with his responsibilities and make the most of life. It is through Frosts remarkable presentation of the speakers thoughts that the reader may see how difficult this decision can be. Through powerful elements, such as alliteration, rhythm, and imagery, Frost stresses the importance of perseverence and facing ones fears and†¦show more content†¦Through clever and distant alliteration, Frost displays the importance of deciding whether to remain strong and press forward or to cowardly give up. Despite its possibly being the more difficult path, Frost signifies the essence of perseverence through rhythm. Throughout the poem, Frost employs a repetitive, trance-like rhythm to compliment the speakers struggle to fight off reality and remain in his carefree world. Furthermore, Jhan Hochman explains it as an ingenious form of interlocking rhyme: the third unrhymed line of the first three stanzas provokes the subsequent stanzas rhymed sound (Hochman 4). Frosts use of rhythm is an eloquent and clever element that expresses the weak and weary state of the speaker in his moment of a life-changing decision. Yet, in the last stanza frost brings his flowing lines to an abrupt halt with But I have promises to keep (Frost 13). With this line, Frost not only shifts the meter of the poem, but also signifies the speakers realization that he cannot give up or quit because of the life commitments he has made. Frost powerfully uses the rhythm in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening to emphasiz e the importance of choosing the path of life and all of its responsibilities instead of the easy way out. With imagery, Frost again stresses the significance of persevering over ones fears. The