Colours of the Wind

Contribution By Maria Luisa Marino

 "Colours of the wind" from the movie Pocahontas. (The lyrics are visible on the screen).

Comment

If you pay attention to lyrics, you will find similarities with what we discussed last class about the cultural differences between the English and the native Americans. Pocahontas belonged to the Algonquian tribe in Virginia. In the song she talks about nature and everything which surrounds her having a spirit. She also mentions that the English consider them ignorant and savages but they are in fact ignorant of many things concerning nature. She mentions the English wanting to own whatever land they land on (regardless of the people who where already there). She says they are all connected to each other regardless of their skin colour (white or copper skin).


And here Pocahonta's grandmother (the willow tree) tells her about the spirits in nature. And we get a glimpse of the arrival of the English. 

Comment

As regards the willow tree scene and the governor I would like to add that it is related to what we mentioned in class about the English coming to America looking for gold and wanting to become rich. The governor's character is a good example of the nobility coming to America and expecting others to obey and to work for them.


If you want to read more...

CLICK HERE for her biography.  

CLICK HERE for a text released by the  Powhatan Renape Nation, an American Indian Nation located at the Rankokus Indian Reservation in , New Jersey. They criticize the Disney version and claim there is another side to this story