The "Crying Indian" commercial and environmental hypocrisy

Crying Indian

Why does Strand believe that "The Crying Indian" commercial is so powerful?

The commercial was powerful because it capitalized on colonialist stereotypes of Native Americans to promote a vision of environmental stewardship. The "Keep America Beautiful" campaign linked social responsibility with collective white guilt. Moreover, the "Keep America Beautiful" theme cuts to the core of the environmentalist movement, which is to reduce materialistic attitudes and consumerism.

Who created "The Crying Indian" commercial? What was their goal?

The "Crying Indian" commercial was created by the Ad Council and the Keep America Beautiful organization. Although the organization promoted itself as being environmentally friendly and denounced littering to "Keep America Beautiful," it was just a front for the beverage industry. The American Can company and other organizations that manufactured disposable containers for the soft drink and beer industry were coming under pressure to reduce litter, and the ad campaign was a clever public relations move.

How was economic policy shaped in the post-WWII period? What did advertisers want Americans to do?

In the post-WWII period, advertisers promoted consumerism in America on an unprecedented scale. The ensuing prosperity enabled more Americans to have disposable incomes, with which they purchased disposable goods. It was imperative for companies to create throw-away and poor quality items, in order to stay in business. This was because the economy became dependent on growth and expansion rather than sense and environmental sensibility.

How did Thomas Morton think Native Americans were different from the Pilgrims and other Europeans living in North America?

Thomas Morton viewed Indians as being "noble savages." They were not concerned with materialism, but with simpler things. Whereas Europeans created a complicated and complex society, the Indians were simple. Morton portrayed Indians like children, believing them to be happier but also less ambitious. The pilgrims were interested in intellectual pursuits; Indians in nature.

What do the Columbia River dams have to do with "The Crying Indian"?

The Columbia River dams are integral to the Crying Indian campaign because they are hallmarks of environmental degradation via consumerism in America. The dams were used by multiple industries, to divert power to the canning companies and the beverage companies that had become overtly wasteful. This is why they are directly related to the "Crying Indian" campaign that was sponsored in part by these very industries that were destroying nature.

Why does Strand believe that anti-litter ad campaigns are so problematic?