I always liked Johnny Depp.Even with its recent coup against Wichita in an article that appeared in the UK newspaper, The Guardian, where he implied that Wichitans are not smart enough to appreciate the films 'smart'. OK, that made it down a notch on my list of favorites.But I liked their decisions in films, his creative collaborations with Tim Burton, and his ability to disappear completely in a role.But I'm not a fan of his fellow cast as Tonto in Comanche "The Lone Ranger", due out in May 2013. And I particularly do not like the teaser photo that was recently launched advertising on the Internet. He is shown with a pale face painting, spooky and a headdress that looks like a dead crow on the head. Certainly not dress that is authentic to the old Comanche was the West, and seems to imply ridicule for the sake of comedy.I Comanche (and Pawnee and Shawnee). And I think that you should not embrace this representation, but protest.Only earlier this week, however, it was announced that Depp was officially adopted in my tribe Ladonna Harris, a member of Comanche and the president of Americans for Indian Opportunity. Comanche country Wauqua Johnny president also attended the ceremony held at the Harris home in Albuquerque on May 16.Although I always in favor of an act of good faith as this (and it's great that Depp is one of my tribal brothers), I question the intent. Is it simply because Depp is a worldwide superstar? Or is that really embrace the way Tonto will be portrayed in the film?I think they are two separate things, although the act seems to imply that the Comanche nation as a whole gives its seal of approval to the film.Sure, the production of the film was well received by the Navajo people in New Mexico, but it was because they were star struck? I would think that was done for positive reasons. The production of the film sheds light on their land. And I like that it took jobs for Indian actors in minor roles and as extras.But even that is a sensitive issue. The natives continue to struggle in the media, especially cinema. Indian actors are forced to land roles as stereotypes of India just to build an acting career.It is rare that any other type of paper to come. Saulteaux actor Adam Beach has had some minor success out of "Native" party, even having a season of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" in 2007-08. Wes Studi has had a long and distinguished career, and was cast in such "non-indigenous," movies like "Heat" or the 2009 TV series "Kings." But ultimately, he is probably best known as "Geronimo"."Blind" casting is not the case with the natives in the roles of every day.I was very happy when the "Twilight" movies of wine, because they used native actors in a high-profile franchise. But wolves are playing for the love of God. They are not even human.So while there are plenty of native actors could have played Tonto, Depp drew attention to the role and the film simply because of who he is. It would have been better to let a born actor is the unknown.There are no easy answers to the biggest problem of the image, although the native people want to be reflected in the media. It's an untapped market with huge potential. But nobody seems interested.We, the native people who need to initiate change ourselves. We must tell our own stories in our own way. And we have to get seen. It is not easy.But pictures like crazy bird hat Depp are not helping.To be fair, I have not seen the movie. Hopefully it will not set us back more than they already are
