The Iron Eyes De Coti Controversy: A Humorous Look into Native American Representation in Hollywood

Introduction

The 'Crying Indian' commercial from the 1970s starring Iron Eyes De Coti (Espera Oscar de Corti) has long been a point of humor and controversy. This article delves into the real-life story of De Coti and the broader context of Native American representation in Hollywood. We’ll uncover the truth behind the entertaining persona and explore why some find the commercial amusing, while others are more critical of its representation.

The 'Crying Indian' Commercial and Iron Eyes De Coti

The iconic 'Crying Indian' commercial was a public service announcement (PSA) produced by Keep America Beautiful. It starred Iron Eyes De Coti, a man who had a long and prolific career portraying Native Americans in film and television. De Coti was born in the United States and, despite his Italian heritage, successfully adopted a Native American persona for his career. He appeared in over 50 movies and films over a nearly 50-year period, earning the nickname 'Iron Eyes.

Background and Casting

Iron Eyes De Coti was 66 years old when he filmed the 'Crying Indian' commercial in 1971. He was invited to play this role by Lady Bird Johnson, the former First Lady and proponent of the Keep America Beautiful movement. She urged him to take the role, and he obliged. It's worth noting that De Coti was not Native American by birth or heritage; he embraced the role with such passion that he even took on Native American practices, including marriage to a Native woman and allegedly adopting Native children. By painting his face to look more 'indigenous,' he further solidified his portrayal of a stereotypical Native American.

Portraying Vito Corleone

While some might find this a comical defiance of cultural stereotypes, it is also worth mentioning the casting of non-Native actors to play Native American characters in Hollywood. In the 1972 film 'The Godfather,' Marlon Brando, a man with German, Dutch, English, and Irish ancestry, played the role of Vito Corleone, a Sicilian immigrant. His casting raised eyebrows due to the lack of Italian ancestry. Similarly, the character of Santino Corleone was played by James Caan, whose parents were German-Jewish immigrants. Both instances demonstrate the long-standing trend of non-Native actors portraying Native American roles.

Debating the Humorous Side

When faced with questions such as 'Why do I find ___ hilarious?' the answer often lies within the individual's personal perspective and cultural background. Some find the 'Crying Indian' commercial amusing because of its stark contrast between the supposed 'noble savage' stereotype and the stark imagery of a modern, non-Native person.

It is also worth considering the broader context of Native American representation in media and pop culture. The stereotype of the 'noble savage' has been criticized for perpetuating harmful and oversimplified images of indigenous peoples. Such portrayals often lack nuance and fail to represent the diverse and complex realities of Native American cultures and communities.

Controversies and Adoption of Stereotypes

Iron Eyes De Coti took his portrayal of Native Americans very seriously. He even took on certain religious and cultural practices, such as homecoming and wedding to a Native woman. By the end of his life, he seemed to have embraced an idealized version of Native American culture, and some believe he might have sincerely believed he was a Native American. However, his Italian background and eventual deathbed writings in a stereotypical style suggest a deep investment in the stereotype he embodied.

While some may find De Coti's portrayal humorous, it is difficult to condone such stereotypical representations. These portrayals often obscure the rich and diverse realities of Native American communities and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Critics argue that such portrayals have a longstanding impact on societal perceptions and can be harmful to the real-life members of these communities.

Conclusion

The 'Crying Indian' commercial remains a poignant reminder of the complex relationship between Native American representation and Hollywood. It highlights the challenges of portraying diverse and nuanced cultures in media and the ongoing debate around cultural appropriation. While some may find the commercial amusing, it is essential to critically examine and question such representations to promote more accurate and respectful portrayals of Native American cultures.

References

[1] 'The Godfather' (1972). Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. [2] 'The Crying Indian' commercial (1971). Keep America Beautiful. [3] Iron Eyes De Coti. Wikipedia.