KBTX - The Buzz - Headlines

New Tonto, Familiar Feelings for Native Americans

By: The Associated Press Email
Posted: Wed 7:31 AM, Jul 25, 2012

SEATTLE (AP) - To most people, the upcoming "Lone Ranger" movie is just a Disney blockbuster featuring action, adventure and Johnny Depp looking over-the-top.

But to Native Americans, it's personal.

The making of the movie, and the announcement that Depp portrays sidekick Tonto, have reawakened feelings about a character that has drawn criticism for being Hollywood creation that spread stereotypes.

The film is in production, but Indian Country has been abuzz for months, with some welcoming a fresh take on old characters. Parts were filmed on the Navajo Nation with tribal support, and an Oklahoma tribe recently made Depp an honorary member.

For others, the film represents a sore spot - one that goes back to the 1950s television version of Tonto, who spoke pidgin, wore buckskin and lacked any real cultural traits.


We ask that the following Community Standards be followed:
  • Comments must not be profane or vulgar.
  • Comments must not use hate speech, racial slurs, or violent descriptions.
  • We encourage varying views to be shared. We do ask commenters to not personally attack other readers, groups, people featured in our stories, or other posters for disagreeing with their views.
  • Comments must not contain negative, comparative debates between community standards of cities or towns.
  • Comments must contribute to the discussion, flaming and/or trolling will not be tolerated.
  • Comments must be truthful and not intentionally falsified. Providing a source link is encouraged.

If you find that a comment violates the above rules, please use the flagging option located to the right of the comment to notify the moderators.
For a complete list of guidelines, please follow this link:
http://www.kbtx.com/home/misc/Online-Commenting-Policy-181579421.html
powered by Disqus

BVTM - The Buzz

KBTX-TV Channel 3 4141 E. 29th Street Bryan, TX 77802 Phone: (979) 846-7777 Fax: (979) 846-1490 News Fax: (979) 846-1888
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2013 - Designed by Gray Digital Media - Powered by Clickability
User Agent: CCBot/2.0 - 163678986