Identity Politics in Powwow Highway
I enjoyed the film Powwow Highway and it highlighted many different aspects of identity politics. However, I thought that it played into Native American stereotypes a little too much. The stereotyping masked many of the deeper messages it could have been conveying. I agree with Susie Q in that the film portrayed two extreme Native American stereotypes. The main characters, Buddy Red Bow and Philbert Bono both identify with their heritage in different ways. For example, Red Bow tries to protect his people from being taken advantage of by the corporations. In doing so, he depicts a sense of pride and identification with his heritage. On the other hand, Philbert stays true to his Native American heritage in his beliefs and follows the traditions of the Native American people.
The road in this movie represents the journey that each man takes that leads them closer to their Native American heritage. By the end of the film, they come to a better understanding of not only each other, but of their common culture.