What does racism look like in Alexie's (2007)novel The absolutely diary of a part time indian? Specifically these chapter : How to fight monsters (clue: look for racism and it's relationship with history)
In Sherman Alexie's novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," racism is a prevalent theme throughout the story. In the chapter "How to Fight Monsters," racism is depicted through the protagonist's experiences and interactions with others.
One instance of racism can be observed in Junior's relationship with his schoolmates and community on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Being treated as an outcast due to his decision to attend an all-white school outside the reservation, Junior faces derogatory comments, insults, and physical bullying from his peers. The racism directed towards Junior suggests a deep-rooted prejudice and hostility towards those who do not conform to the norm within the reservation.
Furthermore, historical racism plays a significant role in the novel as well. Alexie addresses the historical trauma and injustices faced by Native Americans throughout the story. The author recounts the long history of displacement, oppression, and discrimination faced by indigenous people due to colonization and forced assimilation. These historical events have left a lasting impact on Junior and his community, leading to feelings of anger, resentment, and a sense of disconnection from their cultural roots.
Overall, racism in "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" is portrayed through the protagonist's experiences of discrimination within his own community and the historical context that underlies the systemic oppression faced by Native Americans. The novel sheds light on the pervasive effects of racism, making it a prominent theme throughout the story.
In Alexie's novel, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," racism is explored throughout the story, including in the chapter "How to Fight Monsters." Here are some details about racism in the novel and its relationship with history:
1. Reservation Life: The protagonist, Junior, lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation, where racism is embedded in everyday life. The poverty, lack of resources, and overall neglect by the government are historical consequences of the mistreatment of Indigenous communities.
2. Racial Slurs: Throughout the novel, Junior encounters racial slurs directed towards Native Americans. These derogatory terms perpetuate stereotypes and represent the historical dehumanization of Indigenous peoples.
3. Discrimination at School: When Junior decides to leave the reservation and attend an all-white high school in a nearby town, he faces discrimination from both students and teachers. He becomes a target of racially motivated bullying, highlighting the prevalence of racism in a predominantly white environment.
4. School Mascots: One significant example of racism in the novel is the presence of Native American mascots at the all-white high school. The use of such mascots perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reduces Native American culture to a caricature, showcasing the historical objectification of Native people.
5. Indian Boarding Schools: The novel indirectly references the historical context of Indian boarding schools, where Native American children were forcibly separated from their families and subjected to efforts of assimilation. These schools aimed to erase Native cultures and languages, demonstrating the systematic racism imposed on Indigenous communities.
6. Cultural Appropriation: The novel explores instances of cultural appropriation, where non-Native individuals appropriate and commodify Native culture for personal gain. This includes a non-Native student dressing up as a Native American during Halloween, showcasing the lack of respect for Indigenous traditions.
By examining the recurring instances of racism in the novel, particularly in the mentioned chapter, it becomes clear that Alexie sheds light on the historical and ongoing issues faced by Native Americans, highlighting the relationship between racism and the historical mistreatment of Indigenous communities.