In Sherman Alexie's novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" Arnold, better known as "Junior" is growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. He decides to leave the "rez" and attend Rearden, an all-white school where the only other Indian there was the mascot.
Junior drew this cartoon representing the obvious differences in appearance between Indian's and white's. It shows the struggles young Indian's go through when their families are in poverty, having to settle for low quality clothes and unreliable school supplies. White people have things like "a bright future" to look forward to, "positive role models" to look up to, and "hope" to hold on to. While Indians have "a vanishing past" they wish to forget, "a family history of diabetes and cancer" to be afraid of, and a "bone-crushing reality" to face. Not only is Junior portraying what they look like, he gives a clear cut image of what their lives are expected to be. It leaves me feeling forunate and lucky to have the things in my life, and realize that others have it much worse. Don't take anything for granted.
well said and powerful, I like how you made a personal connection and the last sentence is so very true!
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