Hollywood never learns from its mistakes
Lewis DiuguidIt is hard to believe there are no American Indian actors anywhere on the planet, and only Disney would resurrect something as stereotypically bad as the “Line Ranger.”
Both, unfortunately, are coming to a movie theater near you. Johnny Depp will be playing Tonto, the non-native, Native American, in the new Disney movie “Lone Ranger.” Jay Silverheels, a Canadian Mohawk tribe member, played Tonto in the 1950s original TV show.
That show and a bunch of westerns fed the nation a stream of stereotypes about American Indians. Here we go again.
The movie is to hit the theaters in 2013.
Phil Cardarella
9 months, 3 weeks agoIn the old Hollywood movies, most “Injus” were played by Italian-Americans. There were a lot of them in southern California, many had strong noses and were available for other extras roles.
Hence, most Americans of a certain age think Native Americans should look like Sicilians.
But, lighten up, Lewis. Depp as Tonto is a J O K E! Cast Rodney Dangerfield as Don Corleone and The Godfather is a comedy.
I am fascinated by the idea that casting a handsome, talented leading man as oneof your own is considered insulting. Or that referring to a group of incredibly talented and wealthy athletes as Indians or Redskins or Warriors is more demeaning than the Fighting Irish!