Throughout history, clashes among cultures have resulted due to a lack of communication. In Dances with Wolves, both Dunbar and the Sioux Tribe were reserved when meeting. Their reservation showed because of the fear each held about the other. Dunbar held certain misconceptions about the Indians such as their brutality and lack of civilization. While the Sioux believed that Dunbar would be like the rest of the American Military, disrespectful and wasteful. The language barrier caused this cultural boundary to seem to grow. Without being able to speak a similar language neither side could explain that they meant no harm. After struggling to communicate and bond both sides realized that they are both human and they began to understand the cultural values each held. For example, Dunbar realized how important the buffalo were to the Sioux and he resented the American Military for killing the buffalo and leaving them in the field. The clothing each culture wears also plays a role in first impressions; the clothes worn in the Military looked just as silly to the Native Americans as the traditional headdresses and face paint did to the Military. Differences can cause judgement, but if an effort is made to understand the barrier can be destroyed.
Dances With Wolves does an excellent job of playing to the emotions of the audience. Pathos, the use of sights, sounds, and other sensory images to appeal to emotion is used frequently in this film. The use of this trait helps to pull the audience into the film. Dunbar's relationship with Two Socks plays into the emotions of the audience. Seeing how Two Socks grew to trust and look after Dunbar helps the audience to fall in love with the character and their relationship. This love makes the American Military look even worse when the two soldier shoot at and kill Two Socks for entertainment. Seeing how they also just leave him there to bleed out makes the viewers hate the indifference the soldiers show toward nature and the Native Americans. These scenes help establish a clear hero and villain. This movie was the first time in history that the Native Americans were more civilized and emotionally developed than the American Military. The directors of this film did a fantastic job of playing to the emotions of the audience.
