Kocoum: An In-Depth Analysis

Today we're talking about the movie Pocahontas, folks. There are definitely spoiler alerts ahead. Also, if you are worried about spoiler alerts, may I also remind you that the movie is 22 years old? And that it's on Netflix and can probably be found on VHS at your local Goodwill for a quarter?

Anyway, something that has always bothered me about Pocahontas is the story of Kocoum, a man who wants to marry her.

Well, I shouldn't say it has "always" bothered me. As a kid I was like, "Yeah he totally sucks! Pocahontas needs to be with John Smith, the love of her life!". But as an adult (I watched it twice in the past week alone), some things have come to my attention.

First off, the main reason Pocahontas gives us for not liking Kocoum, is that he's too serious or maybe a little boring. If by serious you mean "has a job" and "defends your people", than yeah, he's a little serious. And oh he's a little boring for you? I mean, he's a Native American battle warrior, with tattoos and a partially shaved head in a time long before the invention of the modern razor. But ok, he's boring.

But if Pocahontas just doesn't like him, that's fine. It happens. But when he is shot and killed by Christian Bale Thomas, (when Kocoum is just trying to protect Pocahontas BTW), we see Pocahontas's true heartlessness towards him. Sure she cries for a second, but a few minutes later she's all "This is all my fault! Now John Smith is going to die and I'll never get to see him again!!!".

Wow, Pokie, way to make his death all about you.

And then she ends up not even staying with John Smith!!! She moves to England and marries someone else (see Pocahontas II) and dies young of smallpox or something (not in Pocahontas II). But Kocoum is dead. All because Pocahontas thought she loved John Smith and didn't care what the consequences were.

BUT. Maybe Kocoum was a little too interested in marrying the chief's daughter, even when she showed no interest in him. Maybe he was an opportunist, just trying to gain notoriety. Maybe there was some sort of profit to be gained. But I don't think that's likely.

It's like I always say, "You don't get into a tomahawk fight over someone unless you're really in love."