Misconception Of The Life Of Pocahontas

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The life of Pocahontas is one big contradiction. If you grew up watching the movie Pocahontas then most of what you know about her is false. In reading Pocahontas, Powhatan, Opechancanough: Three Indian Lives Changed by Jamestown by Helen Roundtree her explanation of the life of the Indians and their customs, you would be more inclined to believe her rendering of the life of Pocahontas than what Disney has portrayed or even your elementary teacher. Roundtree did extensive research on the Native American culture and consulted with Chief Anne Richardson of the Rappahannock Indian Tribe as well as Keith Smith of the Nansemond Indian Tribe to ensure that all her work was accurate and expressed the true nature and customs of the Native Americans of Pocahontas’ time. In doing so we truly see that there was a huge misconception of the life of Pocahontas’ and the discrepancies are huge.
In the movie Pocahontas she is portrayed as …show more content…

It is true that the legend of Pocahontas as told by John Smith makes for a great story but that is all it is and upon reading Roundtree’s book I am disappointed that this is not a true account but also angry that the school systems of our country are still toting this as an accurate and significant event in history. Roundtree’s book should be a required read in schools nowadays to ensure that our children are getting the most accurate interpretation of the realities of life in Jamestown. They should be able to read Smith’s version of events and decide for themselves what they feel is the most accurate account of what happened during that time. There is always three sides to a story, his side (Smith), her side (Roundtree), and the truth. I think that Roundtree’s side of the story has more truth to it but I am sure there are some instances where she may be wrong as well but is not outright lying as Smith has

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