Book: April Raintree (Only page 161-242)
Your job is to locate three special sections or quotations in the text in order to explore the author’s theme or message on prejudice and/or discrimination.The idea is to help member sof your group go backtosomeespeciallyinteresting, powerful, funny, puzzling, or important sections of the reading and think about them more carefully and their connection to one or more of our course themes. As you decide which passages or paragraphs are worth going back to, make a note why you picked each one. Then jot down some plans for how they should be shared. You can read passages aloud yourself, ask someone else to read them, or have people read them silently and then
discuss. Make sure to record page numbers so you can easily find your references.
Quotation 1:
Page 185-186: "All I could see was a fat Indian girl with stringy hair, wearing a dress that went to her ankles. Her cheeks were chubby and her eyes slanted upwards. Her fingers were thick, like sausages, and she had big knees. I couldn't see a child in that picture, just a big fat girl. I despised her. I hated her."
This passage highlights the internalized prejudice and self-hatred that April feels towards her own Indigenous heritage. It sheds light on the harmful effects of societal stereotypes and prejudice on individuals' self-perception.
Quotation 2:
Page 206-207: "Up to this point, I had always tried to prove to myself and others that I wasn't an Indian at heart, that is was the last thing I wanted to be. After reflecting upon what you said, I have discovered that that way of thinking has contributed primarily to the emotional trouble in my life."
This passage showcases April's realization and understanding of the destructive impact of denying her Indigenous identity. It emphasizes the importance of accepting one's roots and culture and challenges the idea that assimilation is the solution to discrimination.
Quotation 3:
Page 234-236: "I think we should be proud of our cultural heritage," Cheryl asserted. "Proud of the fact that people in the past, people of our own blood, struggled and sacrificed to survive. We can't just turn our backs on them. It's time we faced reality. The reality is that we are Métis and there's nothing we can do to change that."
This quotation showcases Cheryl's powerful self-acceptance and pride in her Métis heritage. It highlights the importance of embracing one's cultural identity and resisting societal pressures to conform. This passage encourages readers to recognize and celebrate their own heritage, regardless of external prejudices and discrimination.