Scholars Day: April 10, 2013

Debunking Native American Stereotypes in Blazing Saddles

Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles (1974) utilizes conventions of Native American stereotyping in order to ultimately disprove them. Brooks, master of the smart and not-so-subtle satire, makes good use of these stereotypes not only to deflate them, but also to debunk racism as a whole. Throughout his work he not only exaggerates stereotypes but builds up those who might otherwise be oppressed and makes them the heroes of the film.

Presenter:	Elisabeth Hobbs (Undergraduate Student)
Topic:	Film Studies
Location:	104 Edwards
Time:	1:45 pm (Session III) Please note that presentation times are approximate. If you are interested in attending sessions with multiple presentations, please be in the room at the start of the session.