As a government major, the film "Amigo" has struck me as more relevant to my other studies than anything else that we have seen. Colonialism and violence are major themes in government, especially concerning how they are utilized. In the film, American violence is perpetrated in order to dominate the hearts and minds of the local people (notice the ironic twist on the American mission of "winning hearts and minds"). The movie reminds me of more contemporary contexts... For example, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the American intent is to win the war and the local population, we go in without understanding the local culture, customs, or ways of life.
It is ironic that the movie is called "Amigo". The head of the village only serves as an "amigo" to attempt to salvage the situation between the natives and the American soldiers. It is doubtful that his real name is amigo. It is only the name that serves him to work with the American's and their simplistic understanding of the language and culture.
Rather than wax poetic on the evils of colonialism, I would like to add a few songs for consideration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua0pR06pevU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY9TbZMlTaI
It is ironic that the movie is called "Amigo". The head of the village only serves as an "amigo" to attempt to salvage the situation between the natives and the American soldiers. It is doubtful that his real name is amigo. It is only the name that serves him to work with the American's and their simplistic understanding of the language and culture.
Rather than wax poetic on the evils of colonialism, I would like to add a few songs for consideration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua0pR06pevU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY9TbZMlTaI
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