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For most of my life, the word Native American had immediately made me think of feathers, powwows, and a society uncorrupted by civilization. However, in watching the movie Smoke Signals, a movie that depicts the modern Native American culture, I learned many other things. For one, I learned that many of the customs that modern Native Americans have are very similar to my own. I also saw that the family life of the Native Americans in the film had many of the same problems that my family had undergone in the past years. This film was unlike any that I have ever seen; therefore, it reached me on a very personal level. The movie Smoke Signals was set in 1998, with reoccurring flashbacks to the 1980 s on the Code " line Indian reservation.
Scenes that were insignificant to the plot, made this movie almost like a documentary of modern Native American culture. For instance, the scene in which Lester Falls apart reports traffic for KREZ radio showed me that although this society is small, they have news updates and weather reports like other cultures. I also saw that the clothing that the characters wore in this movie were clothes that many people wear, and although the cars they had might not be the best, they were not that behind most Americans, technology wise. In addition to learning that the modern Native American culture is not much different than from my own, this movies plot reached me on a very personal level. The movie opened with the scene of Arnold Joseph, Victors father, who was drunk and accidentally set a house on fire, killing Thomas parents. Luckily, Thomas and Victor were okay; however, Arnold's problem with alcohol does not stop with this horrible mistake.
For years he continued to drink and abuse his wife and son, Victor. When Arnold's wife could not take it anymore, Arnold left the family and moved far away, missing most of his sons life. My family has also had this problem. I have never been a victim of child abuse, but my fathers abuse of alcohol has impacted me in many ways. When I was about seven, I was told that my dad was leaving because of his alcoholism. I did not understand at the time the significance of my parents getting a divorce, but having lived ten years without my father, I feel I can relate to Victor in many ways.
My dad has missed so many important events in my life, such as making the cheerleading squad, my first prom, and even the day I got my license. After seeing this movie I realized that even if my dad could recover from alcoholism, it could never make up for all the years we lost together. Lives are ruined by this terrible addiction everyday; not only the alcoholics life, but also the lives of those who love them. I thought this film was very unique because it shows the true Native American perspective of everyday life, not the usual phony stereotype of Indians such as teepees and bow and arrows.
It also showed how much Native Americans are not much different than other cultures. Instead of singling other cultures out or judging people that are different from us, it is important to see that many people have the same customs, needs, and problems, regardless of what group they are in.
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Research essay sample on Smoke Signals Personal Reflection
