New Tonto, familiar feelings for Native Americans

An undated publicity photo from Disney/Bruckheimer Films, shows actors, Johnny Depp, left, as Tonto, a spirit warrior on a personal quest, who joins forces in a fight for justice with Armie Hammer, as John Reid, a lawman who has become a masked avenger. In New Mexico, where some of the movie was filmed, the Navajo presented Depp, his co-star Hammer, director Gore Verbinski and producer Bruckheimer with Pendleton blankets to welcome them to their land. Elsewhere, the Comanche people of Oklahoma made Depp, an honorary member. The film releases summer 2013. (AP Photo/Disney/Bruckheimer Films, Peter Mountain)

An undated publicity photo from Disney/Bruckheimer Films, shows actors, Johnny Depp, left, as Tonto, a spirit warrior on a personal quest, who joins forces in a fight for justice with Armie Hammer, as John Reid, a lawman who has become a masked avenger. In New Mexico, where some of the movie was filmed, the Navajo presented Depp, his co-star Hammer, director Gore Verbinski and producer Bruckheimer with Pendleton blankets to welcome them to their land. Elsewhere, the Comanche people of Oklahoma made Depp, an honorary member. The film releases summer 2013. (AP Photo/Disney/Bruckheimer Films, Peter Mountain)

SEATTLE (AP) ? To most people, the upcoming "Lone Ranger" movie is just a normal Disney blockbuster featuring action, adventure and Johnny Depp looking over-the-top.

But to Native Americans, it's personal.

The making of the movie, and the announcement that Depp portrays sidekick Tonto, have reawakened feelings about a character that has drawn much criticism for being a Hollywood creation that spreads stereotypes.

The Lone Ranger is still in production, but Indian Country has been abuzz for months, with some welcoming a fresh take on the show's old characters. Parts were filmed on the Navajo Nation with full tribal support, and an Oklahoma tribe recently made Depp an honorary member.

For others, the film represents a sore spot ? one that goes back to the 1950s television version of Tonto, who spoke pidgin, wore buckskin and lacked any real cultural traits.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2012-07-25-Lone%20Ranger-Native%20Americans/id-58c345ed8b074676b3f67e5797d0f705

st louis weather guinea bissau google stock google stock gawker hayden panettiere china gdp