Write an essay that is event based according to the novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian which highlights how racial identity is learned, refer to the racial identity events that appears in the novel
In Sherman Alexie's novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, the theme of racial identity plays a significant role in shaping the protagonist's journey. This bildungsroman tells the story of Arnold Spirit, a young Native American boy living on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Arnold's search for belonging and understanding of his racial identity is encapsulated through a series of events that highlight the complexities of racial dynamics and how they are learned.
One of the first events that reveals the process of learning racial identity is when Arnold decides to attend the all-white Reardan High School, located off the reservation. This decision creates a division among his own people, as his tribe sees it as a betrayal. Arnold encounters racism and prejudice from both his new classmates and his own friends back on the reservation. This event exposes the sharp contrast between the two worlds he inhabits and forces him to confront his own racial identity. As he navigates this new environment, Arnold learns that racial identity is not only defined by others but also by the choices one makes for themselves.
Another crucial event in Arnold's exploration of racial identity is his encounter with Roger, a white student at Reardan High School. Initially, Roger embodies the stereotypical racist and ignorant attitude towards Native Americans. However, as Arnold befriends Roger, he begins to challenge and deconstruct these stereotypes. Through their friendship, Arnold learns that racial identity is not a fixed construct but rather a fluid and evolving concept. He realizes that individuals who embrace empathy and understanding can transcend societal expectations and prejudices.
Arnold's journey of understanding his racial identity also includes his interactions with Rowdy, his best friend on the reservation. Their friendship is tested when Arnold leaves the reservation to attend Reardan. Rowdy feels abandoned and angry at Arnold's betrayal. However, as the novel progresses, Arnold learns that their friendship goes beyond racial lines. Despite their differences and conflicts, they ultimately reconnect and bond over shared experiences and struggles. This event teaches Arnold that racial identity can be both a unifying and divisive force, and that true understanding is built on acknowledging and respecting each other's cultural backgrounds.
Furthermore, Arnold's interactions with his family also shape his understanding of racial identity. He witnesses his father's alcoholism and his mother's efforts to provide for the family. Through the ups and downs of their lives, Arnold witnesses the strength and resilience of his Native American heritage. This event showcases the importance of family in grounding one's racial identity and instilling a sense of cultural pride.
In conclusion, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian highlights the process through which racial identity is learned. The events in the novel demonstrate that racial identity is not a singular or fixed concept, but rather a fluid and complex construct. Arnold's journey is characterized by his navigation of social expectations, his friendships, and his familial connections. Through these experiences, he learns that racial identity extends beyond superficial stereotypes and that true understanding can only be achieved through empathy, compassion, and a willingness to challenge preconceived notions. Ultimately, Sherman Alexie's novel invites readers to reflect on their own perceptions of race and to question the ways in which racial identity is formed and expressed in society.
Title: The Formation of Racial Identity in "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian"
Introduction:
Sherman Alexie's novel, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," narrates the journey of Arnold Spirit, a young Native American teenager striving for self-discovery in a predominantly white world. Throughout the story, racial identity plays a significant role in shaping Arnold's understanding of himself and the challenges he faces. This essay explores key events from the novel that highlight how racial identity is learned, and the impact it has on the protagonist's sense of self.
Event 1: Arnold's First Day at Reardan High School
Arnold's decision to enroll at Reardan High School, a predominantly white institution outside the reservation, is a pivotal event that exposes him to a different racial environment. Being one of the only Native American students in the school, he quickly faces discrimination and prejudiced attitudes. The event forces Arnold to confront the racial dynamics between his Native American identity and the dominant white culture.
Event 2: The Basketball Game Against Wellpinit High School
Arnold's participation in the basketball match against his old school, Wellpinit High, highlights the complexities of racial identity. Despite his affiliation with the Warriors, a Native American team, Arnold chooses to play for Reardan High to challenge his own racial allegiances. This decision leads to conflict and resentment from his former community, making him question his loyalty and sense of belonging.
Event 3: The Powwow Incident
During a powwow at the Spokane Indian Reservation, Arnold experiences yet another event that shapes his racial identity. Witnessing an altercation between a white man and his father, he recognizes the deep-seeded stereotypes and racial tensions that exist beyond the borders of Reservations. This event underscores the awareness Arnold gains about the complexity of race and reveals his longing for unity and understanding between different racial groups.
Event 4: The Halloween Party Incident
At a Halloween party organized by Penelope, Arnold realizes the significance of cultural appropriation. Witnessing his classmates dressed as stereotypical Native Americans perpetuates harmful stereotypes, prompting him to confront Penelope and condemn her insensitive costume choice. This event emphasizes Arnold's growing awareness of racial insensitivity and his willingness to stand up against it.
Event 5: Reconciliation with Rowdy
An important event that influences Arnold's racial identity occurs when he finally reconciles with his best friend, Rowdy. After a physical altercation, Arnold acknowledges and apologizes for his ignorance, recognizing the ways he had taken his friendship for granted. Their renewed bond, despite their different racial backgrounds, reiterates the idea that friendship and understanding can transcend racial barriers.
Conclusion:
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" portrays a series of events that shape Arnold's racial identity and ultimately influence his perception of himself and the world around him. From his first day at Reardan High to his reconciliations and confrontations, Arnold learns to navigate the complexities of racial identity, challenging stereotypes and promoting unity. These events exemplify the importance of embracing diverse cultures, breaking down racial barriers, and ultimately celebrating the richness of racial heritage.
To write an essay on how racial identity is learned in the novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, you can follow these steps:
1. Read the novel: Start by reading the novel thoroughly. Pay close attention to the events and experiences that the main character, Junior, encounters related to racial identity.
2. Identify racial identity events: Make a list of specific events or incidents within the novel that highlight the theme of racial identity. Some examples include:
- Junior's decision to transfer from the reservation school to the predominantly white school off the reservation.
- Junior's experiences of racism and discrimination at both schools.
- Junior's struggle to fit in and find acceptance within two different cultural contexts.
- Junior's interactions with other characters who also face issues of racial identity.
- The overarching theme of cultural assimilation and the impact it has on Junior's sense of self.
3. Analyze the events: Once you have identified the key events, analyze them in detail. Consider questions such as:
- How do these events shape Junior's understanding of his own racial identity?
- How do these events reflect broader issues of race and identity in society?
- How do these events contribute to Junior's growth and development throughout the novel?
- Are there any significant turning points or realizations about racial identity that occur through these events?
4. Provide examples and evidence: Support your analysis with specific examples and quotes from the novel. Use these examples to illustrate and reinforce your arguments about how racial identity is learned by Junior and other characters.
5. Structure your essay: Organize your essay using a clear and logical structure. Start with an introduction that introduces the novel, the central theme of racial identity, and provides a thesis statement outlining your main argument. Then, develop your arguments in separate paragraphs, each focusing on a different event or aspect of racial identity. Finally, conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and reaffirming your thesis.
Remember to use academic language, proper citations, and a coherent structure to present your ideas effectively.