Posted by Griff on
URL: https://www.shado-forum.com/script-from-Sound-of-Silence-tp1514037p1514045.html

Hi,

Speaking as a Brit bought up in the sixties in the UK and USA...

I can honestly tell any American or other reader that there was no intention AT ALL to 'joke' about Indians, Native American or otherwise...

In the sixties, certainly when I was glowing up, 'playing' Cowboys and Indians was all the rage, and I, my brothers, and many school friends used to take turns being either Cowboys or Indians. Sometimes the Cowboys won, and sometimes the Indians... remember Roy Rogers, cowboy and indian outfits were really popular (just as you see kids dressed in Spiderman and other superhero uniforms today)...

This may sound very insensitive now, but that's how it was then, and no oneeven realized or discussed how sensitive a subject this should or would be. Cowboy and Indians films were all over the cinema and TV at he time.

I believe there was certainly NO insult or jokes meant to 'Indians' at all (Native Americans, Continental Indians, and certainly no specific tribe...)

Remember, in those days, the general term/word "indian" had no "PC" contextat all, and was - in my experience - never meant in a bad way.

In "The sound of Silence" my guess is that Russell Stone and his sister were used to playing "Cowboys and Indians" in their childhood, and that is what she was referencing and reminiscing in her dialogue. Certainly no 'joke' or insult meant... quite innocent really in context.

Of course times have changed... but you really have to view the episode and script in a 'sixties' context.

Hope this helps,

Griff

--- In [hidden email], "Bruce Sherman" <brucesherman@...> wrote:
>
> ok, this episode took place in England, not a question.
>
> Fosters love interest makes several comments about American Indians, Sioux Indians maybe hiding out on their farm. Sioux Indians in England??
>
> So I guess you can blame the American writer of the episode.
>
> Bruce