JE#1: 1B The Lone Ranger

Prior to this class, I have never heard of or seen the Lone Ranger. After reading the historical context of a Texas Ranger it saddens me to see that the Lone Ranger is a white man. Texas Rangers were a force to "protect" the settlers from Native Americans. Even worse, the use of Indians on the web page about Texas Rangers, in the Lone Ranger episode, and radio show does not acknowledge that they are natives. The Lone Ranger sends a message that a white man is needed to protect the natives. This enforces superiority of the white man. The "inherent" inability to speak coherent English indicates the natives are inferior as well. I do not appreciate how Lone Ranger is the hero and Tonto is his sidekick. Tonto is not an appealing name either since it translates to idiot in Spanish. I understand how it could be appealing to audiences since it is packed with action but it sends a terrible message. It almost seems as the Lone Ranger is making up for genocide of natives and erasing years of bloodshed. Why isn’t there a show that depicts the real history? Being a show for entertainment it makes the history between the white man and natives comical when it should be taken seriously. Speedy Gonzales is also humorous and entertaining but this is not reason enough to continue to showcase the show either. Both shows perpetuate stereotypes at the expense of others. The Lone Ranger is a joke on natives.