"I wanted to make an Indian character who wasn't either a) the savage that must be eliminated, the force of nature that's blocking the way for industrial progress, or b) the noble innocent that knows all and is another cliche. I wanted him to be a complicated human being"

In this quote, filmmaker Jim Jarmusch articulates a desire to differ stereotyped portrayals of Native American characters in popular media. He determines two dominating tropes: the "savage" and the "noble innocent". The very first stereotype, "the savage that should be gotten rid of", depicts Native Americans as barriers to civilization and progress, frequently portrayed as primitive or aggressive. This narrative has actually traditionally been utilized in Western films to validate colonial growth and violence versus native individuals. The second stereotype, "the noble innocent", frequently provides Native Americans as mystic and wise, nearly otherworldly in their simpleness and purity. Though seemingly favorable, this portrayal is equally reductive, as it romanticizes native cultures while removing them of intricacy and uniqueness.

Jarmusch's usage of contrasting characters highlights a critical problem in representation: the tendency to reduce diverse cultures and individuals to simple archetypes. By stating his intention to produce a Native American character who is "a complex person", Jarmusch argues for a more nuanced depiction. He looks for to depict Native Americans with the very same depth, complexity, and irregularity paid for to characters from dominant cultures. This method recognizes that indigenous people, like all individuals, have diverse experiences, feelings, and inspirations that can not be encapsulated by stereotypes.

By challenging these traditional representations, Jarmusch invites audiences to engage with native characters on a more human level, motivating empathy and understanding. His intent reflects a broader motion in media and literature towards more genuine and multidimensional representation of marginalized neighborhoods. In doing so, such works contribute to dismantling enduring predispositions and promote a richer and more inclusive cultural discussion.