The Theme of Smoke Signals
Smoke Signals is a great example of a movie that is designed to be interpreted in many different ways. There are several themes that a person could attach to as the most important and substantial to the movie. There are tones of cultural pride and understanding, overcoming stereotypical atmospheres and self-destructive behaviors, and the circle of life and understanding. However, I felt that given the Shamanistic undertones involving Thomas as the narrator, gives way to a more significant theme revolving around one’s past. From watching the movie, and with my previous studies of Shamanism, I gather the Alexie was using the movie to show the world that understanding one’s personal past and past of their ancestors is essential for their future and for self healing. As displayed in the film, only then can a person truly grow into the person that they were truly meant to be.
What is a Stereotype and Their Use in Smoke Signals
A stereotype is a generalization of a group of people or a cultural or ethnic group, that can be fact or fiction. The difference between a stereotype and a fact is that usually stereotypes are not true. That is the problem with generalizations about groups of people. It is hard to assume that every single member in that group truly behaves or looks a certain way that has been generalized. Also, stereotypes can sometimes be cruel attempts at lowering the group they are labeling.
In Smoke Signals, Alexie uses several well-known stereotypes to define his characters. Some are physical, some are mental and some concern the surroundings. For example, the two main characters, Thomas and Victor, are two characters that exhibit stereotypes on each end of the spectrum. I think that Alexie did this for illustration purposes for the viewers, in order to accentuate the display of the characters personalities.
Victor follows one end of the Native American stereotype categories as the warrior. Not literally, but a warrior in life. He is an self-confident being, plays sports (not academically inclined), and has an angry disposition on life. Thomas, on the other end of the spectrum, illustrates the stereotypes of Shamanism (a healer and story teller, also one who assists others on their spiritual journey), academically speaking, a kind of nerd, and his personality is eccentric (which also plays along with the Shamanism properties).
There are also other stereotypes used throughout the movie to help demonstrate Alexie’s goal of understanding. For example, Victor’s father’s alcohol abuse and domestic issues. A common stereotype of Native Americans is that they abuse alcohol and drugs at every opportunity and are violent toward others and their family. He also portrays the stereotype of reservations being poor and in need of help. Lastly, there are stereotypes shown concerning Natives as stupid or uneducated, Natives being “into nature”, ethnocentric, and having similar features (long hair).
