Indians of North America – Playing Indian Assignment, Johnny Depp and Tonto

Discussion Part I: Analyzing an article

Who wrote your piece? Are they Native or non-Native? What are their motivations for writing this piece? Is their intended audience Native or non-Native?

Does the identity of the author have an effect on their views?

What is the author’s view of Johnny Depp playing Tonto? What arguments do they make to defend their stance? Do they have a practical goal, or are they making a moralistic argument?

Discussion Part II: Is it okay that Johnny Depp played Tonto?

What are the arguments being made for why it is OK for Johnny Depp to play Tonto? Who tends to make these arguments?

What are the arguments being made for why it is NOT OK for Johnny Depp to play Tonto? Who tends to make these arguments?

In your opinion, should Johnny Depp have been offered the job? Should he have accepted it?

Johnny Depp has occasionally dabbled in Native American activism. Does this fact change how we feel about his taking the role of Tonto?

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