Last of the Mohicans and the Anthropological Concepts of Race and Colonialism

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How the Last of the Mohicans can be Viewed through the Anthropological Concepts of Race and Colonialism that Challenge the Overcoming of Racial Divides
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April 10, 2023
Understanding how films are made to reflect societal or historical concepts is essential for any viewer. It allows him to appreciate the film's message and look at it with a critical and analytical eye. Accordingly, historical films are regularly produced because they have a great story to tell and a lesson to impart to the present generation. One example is Michael Mann's 1992 historical drama, The Last of the Mohicans, which is a perfect example of how these movies frequently highlight bravery and dedication to one's beliefs and traditions. The French and Indian War, which took place in colonial America in 1757, is depicted in the movie as a conflict between the British and the French for dominance of the region. As Hawkeye, a white man reared by the Mohican tribe, becomes involved in the battle between the two colonial powers, the story of Hawkeye is followed in the movie (Butler, 1976).
Short Summary
Hawkeye, sometimes known as Natty Bumppo, is the primary character in "The Last of the Mohicans." He is a white man who has assimilated Native American traditions and lifestyle after being reared by them. Hawkeye and his comrades are followed as they negotiate the perils of the wilderness and the wars between the British, French, and Native American tribes in James Fenimore Cooper's book, which is set during the French and Indian War. The film highlights the separation of indigenous people and colonists—which can be referred to as racial division—and offers colonizers additional chances.
Ethnic discrimination can take many forms, such as limiting opportunities or resources for specific ethnic groups through laws, policies, or practices. Unfair access to essential services, including work, housing, healthcare, and education, can also be a sign of it. Ethnic division can also result in prejudice, stereotyping, and bias, worsening tensions between various ethnic groups. The author of this article will provide a critical analysis of the film in relation to the anthropological idea of race and colonialism in connection to racial discrimination (Blakemore, 1997). The author will examine whether "The Last of the Mohicans" reinforces harmful stereotypes and colonialist attitudes that prevent the bridging of racial divides through an analysis of the movie using anthropological concepts of race and colonialism, ultimately highlighting the need for more critical and nuanced representations of cultural systems in popular media.
Anthropological Themes
The movie's primary focus is how different races are divided into subgroups, such as the colonizers. The anthropological themes of colonialism and race can be used to analyze the book because they present difficulties bridging racial gaps. One explanation is the country's limited access to information, which limits its awareness of a particular culture or tribe. Race significantly affects the social and political dynamics of the characters in "The Last of the Mohicans." The European invaders are portrayed in the book as the "civilized" white race, while the Native Americans are portrayed as the "uncivilized" brown race. Because of these differences, Native Americans are now at a disadvantage because it is necessary to be well-educated to keep up with their environment's advancement.
Although the British invaders are not viewed as the main enemy in the film, their impact on the tribes was significant enough to influence the course of events. The main adversary is still Magua, who is seeking retribution against the British and other Native American tribes he believes have treated him unfairly (Copeland). A specific indigenous tribe may disagree with another or hold ideas different from those of the other groups, which can lead to racial division. Racial division can also exist between two indigenous groups in the same region and is not limited to races with significant power.
I enjoyed how the movie emphasized the distinction between colonizers and locals because it reveals who is carrying out evil deeds and who is carrying out good deeds. While the colonizers are busy expanding their territory and establishing dominance over the populace, the natives go about their daily lives and preserve their culture. They are incredibly inspirational to the readers and viewers of the tale or the film because they are willing to stand up for their rights and maintain their culture and traditions in the face of the changes in their environment.
The narrative also emphasizes colonialism as a central theme. The dominant group, represented as the European conquerors, aspires to increase their dominance and control the native peoples. Native Americans are portrayed as the underdog group fighting for their rights and battling to preserve their way of life in the face of colonization and assimilation (Gohar). Imposing European ideals, ideologies, and political structures upon indigenous populations is crucial to colonialism (Copeland). The novel describes how European conquerors attempted to force the Native Americans to convert to Christianity and repress their native traditions and practices by forcing them to speak and dress in European ways. These types of religious discussions are quite typical in all civilizations worldwide. For instance, Magua is portrayed as a Native American who has integrated into European civilization but feels alienated and powerless.
The film is extremely well created, but if I had to suggest any adjustments or more content that should have been in it, I'd say that they could have incorporated more of the Native American practices' culture. Much more might have been explored about Native American culture and traditions, even if the film only displays a few of them. The movie, for instance, might have gone deeper into the political and social structures of the Mohican civilizations at the time, as well as the beliefs, practices, and spirituality of the Mohican people. Investigating this further can give viewers and listeners a deeper understanding of the Mohican culture and way of life. The movie's portrayal of European cultures as superior and more developed than Native American cultures also echoes colonialism beliefs prevalent when it was filmed. This viewpoint ignores that European civilizations were primarily to blame for the brutality and exploitation that took place during the colonial era and the fact that they had their shortcomings and inadequacies.
From an anthropological st...