In all of history, there has yet to exist a group of people to feel the effects of genocide to the extent in which Native Americans have. There might be a valid argument concerning the injustices done to the people of African descent, however, slavery and 500 years of colonization marginally compares to the complete destruction and annihilation of a people, culture, and spirit. The plight of the Native American since colonization has shaped the modern day negative images and identity of the so called "Indian". One of today's most prolific Native American writers, Sherman Alexie, explores and challenges the Native American identity throughout his poetry, essays, short stories, and movies.
             "I Hated Tonto (Still Do)" is an essay in which Alexie explains how the negative depiction of Native Americans through the use of white cinematic Indians shaped his view on how a Native American is supposed to act. Ironically, he hated Tonto, a relatively positive depicted cinematic Indian played by a full-blooded Cherokee, Victor Daniels. Despite his hate for Tonto, Alexie claims he still loved Indian movies. Even when they were dressed up in war paint and depicted as savages kidnapping the white man's woman, as a kid Alexie saw nothing wrong with the way Native Americans were portrayed. In fact, he wanted to be like those white actors who climbed mountains, fought cowboys, talked with monosyllables, and were always accompanied by ominous music. "...I've seen so many Indian movies that I feel like I'm constantly accompanied by ominous music" (Alexie). He goes on to say that Native Americans started accepting their own lowered expectations to the point where it didn't matter that cinematic Indians never had jobs, were always serious, and were mostly played by non-Indians. They were just happy to see Indians in movies; except Tonto. Tonto was the only cinematic Indian with a starring role who was...