JE #1B

            The Lone Ranger is an extremely distinct character and has much clearer ideologies than the Speedy Gonzales cartoons that appeared thirty years later.  He is uniquely adept at handling cultural differences with grace, as seen through his interactions with Tonto in the opening smoke signal scene.  He has learned the smoke signal system of communication, which is not only useful in his mission of protection, but sheds light on the open-mind this man seems to possess.  His companions display a similar affection for Tonto and the ill-treated Native Americans alike.  Interestingly, though not surprisingly, “faithful” Tonto is shown to have a sincere and serene (almost submissive) personality.   

            The negative ideology that is seems to share with the Speedy Gonzales cartoons is that it lauds the United States’ dominance and authority over the people whose land they “conquer”.  The cartoon Daffy ruins a house simply so he can have the last word in the duck-mouse shared property conflict, while the Lone Ranger episode literally says that the White Father in the American capitol is responsible for the peaceful living of the West’s native people, reinforcing the Texas Rangers’ outstanding status. 

            The Lone Ranger allows American society to identify with the good guy who protects the integrity and safety of the honest Native Americans instead of identifying with the supposed exception-to-the-rules bad guy that wants to commit crimes against them.