This study has not filled the research gaps of predominantly focusing on race and ethnicity. Future research should explore intersections of colonialist discourses with other social categories like gender, class, and sexuality. Using this method could lead to a more sophisticated comprehension of the ways in which different types of oppression interact and materialize in media depictions of colonial interactions.
In addition, future research could explore the impact of "Pocahontas" on younger audiences' understanding of history and colonialism. Comparative studies with other films depicting colonialism could provide a broader perspective on how media shapes historical narratives. Additionally, more work is needed to highlight and incorporate indigenous perspectives in media representations, ensuring a more accurate and respectful portrayal of history and culture.
Concluding remarks
In examining the movie Pocahontas (1995) through the lens of CDA to analyze civilized colonialism, this thesis has illuminated the ways in which language, power dynamics, and cultural representation intertwine to perpetuate colonial ideologies in modern media. Drawing on CDA and insights from previous studies, this research has explored how the film constructs and reinforces narratives of Western superiority and indigenous inferiority. The language is not merely as a neutral tool of communication, but as a mechanism to normalize colonialist ideologies.
Moreover, this thesis has highlighted the ongoing relevance of colonialism in contemporary contexts, manifesting in neocolonial practices, cultural hegemony, and
linguistic inequalities. The imposition of dominant languages, erasure of indigenous languages, and representation through stereotypical discourse continue to shape global narratives and perpetuate inequalities inherited from colonial histories.
Nevertheless, amidst these challenges, there are movements of resistance and decolonization. Initiatives to reclaim indigenous languages, challenge dominant narratives, and promote cultural diversity offer pathways toward a more equitable and inclusive representation in media and beyond. These efforts underscore the importance of acknowledging and amplifying marginalized voices, while critically engaging with the legacies of colonialism in shaping contemporary societies.
By critically analyzing its narrative strategies and cultural representations, this thesis contributes to broader discussions on how the media shapes how people view history, identity, and power. Moving forward, it is imperative to continue exploring alternative narratives, amplifying indigenous perspectives, and fostering a dialogue that embraces linguistic and cultural diversity as integral to a more just and inclusive global community.
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APPENDICES
The script of Pocahontas (1995) In Sixteen Hundred Seven (1607)
[Line 1]: We sailed the open sea For glory, God and gold
And the Virginia Company
For the New World is like heaven And we'll all be rich and free Or so we have been told By the Virginia Company So we have been told By the Virginia Company
[Line 10]: For glory, God, and gold And the Virginia Company
Ready to hoist the cannon?
Aye!
Hey, look. Is that Smith?
That's him, all right. The old sea dog.
Captain John Smith? I've heard amazing stories about him.
Are you coming on this voyage, too?
Course he is, you half-wit! You can't fight Indians without John Smith!
That's right. I'm not about to let you boys have all the fun.
[Line 20]: On the beaches of Virginny There's diamonds like debris
There's silver rivers flowin' Gold you pick right off a tree With a nugget for my Winnie And another one for me And all the rest'll go To the Virginia Company
It's glory, God, and gold And the Virginia Company [Line 30]: Full anchor release!
Come on, lads! Come on!
Give me a hand, someone!
Watch out!
Faster! She's taking on more water!
Look out!
John! Get down here!
The cannons are breaking loose!
Reef the topsails!
Aye, sir!
[Line 40]: Steady on your course!
It's all right, Thomas! We'll get her tied off.
Say your prayers, lads!
Look out!
Thomas, watch out...!
Help!
Man overboard!
Help!
Stay your course! He's lost!
Help!
[Line 50]: Pull the pin.
Aye, sir!
Smith!
Are you crazy?
Hang on, Thomas. I've got you!
Quick... the rope!
Heave!
Come on, lads! Pull!
Pull! Pull!
Put your back into it!
[Line 60]: Pull! Pull!
Hang on!
Ah, my lucky lad!
Well, that was refreshing.
Well done, Smith.
Of course....you'd all do the same for me.
Yes, yes. Sure, sure.
Of course we would! Absolutely!
Yeah, we would.
Trouble on deck?
[Line 70]: Governor Ratcliffe!
Thomas fell overboard, sir.
Thank heavens he's been successfully retrieved.
Well done, Smith.
Thank you, sir.
Don't lose heart, men. It won't be long before we reach the New World, and remember what awaits us there...
Freedom, prosperity, the adventure of our lives.
You're the finest crew England has to offer, and nothing, not wind nor rain, nor a thousand bloodthirsty savages shall stand in our way.
Carry on, men!
A stirring oration, sir.
[Line 80]: I'm sure the men were most exhilarated!
Let us hope so. I'll need those witless peasants to dig up my gold, won't I?
This New World's going to be great, John.
I'm going to get a pile of gold, build me a big house, and if any Indian tries to stop me, I'll blast him.
Just worry about that fortune of yours, Thomas.
Leave the savages to me.
You think they'll give us trouble?
Not as much trouble as Smith'll give them.
We'll kill ourselves an injun Or maybe two or three
[Line 90]: We're stalwart men and bold of the Virginia Company What do you suppose the New World will look like?
Like all the others, I suppose.
I've seen hundreds of New Worlds, Thomas.
What could possibly be different about this one?
It's glory God, and gold
And the Virginia Company Steady as the beating drum Singing to the cedar flute
[Line 100]: Seasons go and seasons come Bring the corn and bear the fruit
By the waters sweet and clean Where the mighty sturgeon lives Plant the squash and reap the bean All the earth our Mother gives O, Great Spirit, hear our song Help us keep the ancient ways Keep the sacred fires strong Walk in balance all our days
[Line 110]: Seasons go and seasons come Steady as the beating drum
Plum to seed to bud to plum Steady as the beating drum It's good to be home.
The Massawomecks are defeated!
With the help of our brothers, our villages are safe again.
Your return has brought much joy to the village.
Look at all the smiling faces.
Yes. But there's one smiling face I don't see.
[Line 120]: Where is my daughter?
You know Pocahontas.
She has her mother's spirit.
She goes wherever the wind takes her.
Pocahontas!
Your father's back.
Come down here!
He's back, Flit.
Come on, Meeko!
[Line 130]: No! Not that... way.
Show-off.
Pocahontas?
Pocahontas? Are you all right?
You'd better be all right, because I'm not coming in after you...
Don't you think we're getting a little old for these games?
Help me turn this thing over.
What were you doing up there?
Thinking. Meeko!
About the dream again? Have you figured it out yet?
[Line 140]: I know it means something, I just don't know what.
You should ask your father about it.
Maybe I should.
Come on, Flit.
Quit playing around. We have to get back.
...faced a determined enemy.
The battle lasted from the rising of the sun until the evening shadows fell.
Our warriors fought with courage, but none as bravely as Kocoum, for he attacked with the fierce strength of the bear.
He has proven himself to be...
He is so handsome!
[Line 150]: I especially love the smile.
...destroying every enemy in his path.
Tonight, we will feast in his honour.
My daughter.
Winggapo, Father.
Seeing you gives me greatjoy.
I'm so glad you've come home safely.
Come with me. We have much to talk about.
I want to hear everything you've been doing.
[Line 160]: Father, for many nights now, I've been having a very strange dream.
It's telling me something's about to happen, something exciting.
Yes. Something exciting is about to happen.
Really? What is it?
Kocoum has asked to seek your hand in marriage.
Marry Kocoum?
I told him it would make my heart soar.
But he's so... serious.
My daughter, Kocoum will make a fine husband.
He is loyal and strong and will build you a good house with sturdy walls.
[Line 170]: With him, you will be safe from harm.
Father, I think my dream is pointing me down another path.
This is the right path for you.
But why can't I choose...
Pocahontas, come with me.
You are the daughter of the chief.
It is time to take your place among our people.
Even the wild mountain stream must someday join the big river.
As the river cuts his path
Though the river's proud and strong
[Line 180]: He will choose the smoothest course
That's why rivers live so long.
They're steady
As the steady beating drum
Your mother wore this for our wedding.
It was her dream to see you wear it at your own.
He wants me to be steady.
Like the river.
But it's not steady at all.
What I love most about rivers is
[Line 190]: You can't step in the same river twice The water's always changing
Always flowing
But people, I guess can't live like that We all must pay a price
To be safe we lose our chance of ever knowing What's around the river bend
Waiting just around the river bend I look once more
Just around the river bend [Line 200]: Beyond the shore Where the gulls fly free Don't know what for
What I dream the day might send Just around the river bend for me Coming for me
I feel it there beyond those trees Or right behind these waterfalls Can I ignore that sound of distant drumming?
For a handsome, sturdy husband who builds handsome, sturdy walls And never dreams that something might be coming
[Line 210]: Just around the river bend I look once more
Just around the river bend Beyond the shore
Somewhere past the sea Don't know what for
Why do all my dreams extend Just around the river bend?
Just around the river bend
Should I choose the smoothest course [Line 220]: Steady as the beating drum?
Should I marry Kocoum?
Is all my dreaming at an end?
Or do you still wait for me, dream giver?
Just around the river bend Is that my Pocahontas?
Grandmother Willow, I need to talk to you.
Good morning, child.
I was hoping you'd visit today.
Why, your mother's necklace!
[Line 230]: That's what I wanted to talk to you about.
My father wants me to marry Kocoum.
Kocoum? But he's so serious!
I know. My father thinks it's the right path for me.
But lately, I've been having this dream, and I think it's...
Oh, a dream! Let's hear all about it!
Quiet!
Now, child, you were saying?
Well, I'm running through the woods, and then right there in front of me is an arrow.
As I look at it, it starts to spin.
[Line 240]: A spinning arrow? How unusual!
Yes, it spins faster and faster and faster... until, suddenly, it stops.
Well, it seems to me this spinning arrow is pointing you down your path.
But, Grandmother Willow, what is my path?
How am I ever going to find it?
Your mother asked me the very same question.
She did? What did you tell her?
I told her to listen.
All around you are spirits, child.
They live in the earth, the water, the sky.
[Line 250]: If you listen, they will guide you.
I hear the wind.
Yes.
What is it telling you?
I don't understand You will understand Listen with your heart You will understand
Let it break upon you like a wave upon the sand It's saying something's coming.
[Line 260]: Strange clouds?
Listen with your heart You will understand What do you see?
Clouds. Strange clouds.
Look at it, Wiggins, an entire New World chock-full of gold, just waiting for me.
And scores of adventures waiting for us, right, Percy?
Do you think we'll meet some savages?
If we do, we shall be sure to give them a proper English greeting.
Gift baskets!
[Line 270]: And he came so highly recommended.
It's perfect, the water's deep enough. We can pull right up to shore.
Hey, there, Percy.
Very well, then. Give the order.