Netflix have been forced to change their Pocahontas summary after receiving online backlash.
The original description of the 1995 Disney film was slammed as both sexist and racist by fans, including writer for Native Appropriations writer Dr. Adrienne Keene.
The blurb read: “An American Indian woman is supposed to marry the village’s best warrior, but she yearns for something more — and soon meets Capt. John Smith.
Reflecting on the piece, Dr. Keene wrote “It overly sexualises the film, and only positions Pocahontas in relation to her romantic options, not as a human being, you know, doing things.
“The men get to have adventures, fight people, save things, be king of the jungle…Pocahontas yearns for a white dude.”
Apparently Pocahontas is on @netflix now. Can we talk about this description? pic.twitter.com/tjaqRY9gs8
— Dr. Adrienne K. (@NativeApprops) September 1, 2015
She wrote on her blog: “The use of “woman” and “yearns” is so…gross. Shudder.”
Netflix were quick to respond to Adrienne’s concerns, saying: “The synopsis has been updated to better reflect Pocahontas’ active role and to remove the suggestion that John Smith was her ultimate goal.”
The new description reads: “A young American Indian girl tries to follow her heart and protect her tribe when settlers arrive and threaten the land she loves.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q1QF8G47oU
Video via YouTube/TheTrailerGal
