General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: "Can someone tell me whether we're supposed to be offended by Johnny Depp's portrayal of Tonto?" [View all]JoDog
(1,353 posts)(so, salt to suit your palate), the story is told more from Tonto's point of view. Tonto is a partner, and in some ways a mentor, who has his own backstory, demons, and need for vengeance.
The piece interviewed Depp, the director and the producer. It also played a snip from a vintage Bill Cosby routine to illustrate the racist way Tonto was used on TV and radio. (Tonto always went into town, where he was beaten up. As a kid, Cosby yelled at the screen, "Don't go into town, Tonto!"
Coincidentally, on Saturday, I heard an episode of Prairie Home Companion that had a female duo singing the Lyle Lovett song that imagines Tonto telling off the Lone Ranger.
I am going to see the movie and wait until then to make my call on the character. When I was young and knew no better, I loved the syndicated show. I never saw the racism, I just thought the Lone Ranger was lucky to have such a smart, loyal friend as Tonto and a cool horse like Silver. Watching it now, of course, I see it and cringe.