1. Why is the documentary called “The Canary Effect”?

People used to carry small animals, like canaries, around in a cage to check if the air was free from toxic gas. If that was the case, then the little bird would die. When this happened, the people would know they had to leave this area. The canary stands for live in general. The canary effect stands for the fact that you have to be aware of what happens around you, because where the birds die you will follow soon. In this documentary the native Americans are the "canaries" and the people who killed them are "the toxic gas".

 

2. Why is it ridiculous to say that Columbus discovered America?

People, such as the native Americans, were already living in America when Columbus arrived. He was never the first one to discover 'the new land'.  

 

3. What have you learnt from watching this film? Explain it in detail. 

This documentary shows us the horrible things that happened during the genocide of the Native Americans. We have learnt that the foundation of hatred for the Native Americans has been formed in the time of Columbus. In the 19th century many tribes were exterminated, but no one cared. In fact, the Native Americans were portrayed as barbarians. People believed that they even killed women and children. Until today the effects of the genocide are still noticeable. Everything the Native Americans possessed had been taken from them. For example their land. Because of that they now have to live in small reservations.