Sherman Joseph Alexie, Jr., grew up in Wellpinit, Washington, on the Spokane Indian Reservation. He is a Spokane-Coeur d'Alene novelist, short story writer, poet, and filmmaker. Alexie uses his personal experiences to show what his life was like on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpoint, Washington. Alexie and Junior, both have had similar medical experiences, family support, and cultural experiences.
Although, “his father, an alcoholic, spent little time at home, and his mother supported the family by selling hand-sewn quilts at the local trading post” (Sax), they knew that they did not want their kids to end up like them or like the other Native Americans on the reservation. So. Sherman Alexie´s family was very supportive of him wanting …show more content…
Alexie and Junior both lived on a Native American Reservation, which is a legal area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the US Bureau of Indian Affairs and because of this they commonly weren’t able to achieve their dreams. “Alexie grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit, Washington and was discriminated against because of it” (McFarland). Junior even says ¨but we Spokane reservation Indians don't get to realize our dreams¨(45) . Junior also represents Alexie’s life growing up Native American and facing discrimination. Discrimination is the unjust treatment of different people or things, mostly on the grounds of race, age, or sex.“The short stories in this collection, like many of Alexie's other works, reveal his awareness of the discrimination, poverty, and alcoholism that is an inescapable part of the daily life of many Native Americans” (Encyclopedia of World Biography). It is also shown in the book that Junior is a victim of discrimination. His teacher, Mr Dodge says,“Gordy, I’m sure you can tell us the truth” (85). Mr. Dodge, didn’t believe Junior when he said an answer, although it was correct. So he asked a non-Native American student if Junior’s answer was correct. Alexie was resolute to add discrimination to the book, because he wants to show us that the act of discrimination has always been around and unflagging. The two also show that they are proud to be Spokane Indians. “Alexie frequently acknowledges both his Spokane and Coeur d’Alene tribal heritage and is glad to be a part of that tribe” (Sax). Junior is also proud to be a proud Native American, because after Roger, a bully and later friend, made fun of his culture. So, Junior punched Roger, because he wanted to defend his culture and ethnicity. He made Junior proud to be a part of the Spokane
Although, “his father, an alcoholic, spent little time at home, and his mother supported the family by selling hand-sewn quilts at the local trading post” (Sax), they knew that they did not want their kids to end up like them or like the other Native Americans on the reservation. So. Sherman Alexie´s family was very supportive of him wanting …show more content…
Alexie and Junior both lived on a Native American Reservation, which is a legal area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the US Bureau of Indian Affairs and because of this they commonly weren’t able to achieve their dreams. “Alexie grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit, Washington and was discriminated against because of it” (McFarland). Junior even says ¨but we Spokane reservation Indians don't get to realize our dreams¨(45) . Junior also represents Alexie’s life growing up Native American and facing discrimination. Discrimination is the unjust treatment of different people or things, mostly on the grounds of race, age, or sex.“The short stories in this collection, like many of Alexie's other works, reveal his awareness of the discrimination, poverty, and alcoholism that is an inescapable part of the daily life of many Native Americans” (Encyclopedia of World Biography). It is also shown in the book that Junior is a victim of discrimination. His teacher, Mr Dodge says,“Gordy, I’m sure you can tell us the truth” (85). Mr. Dodge, didn’t believe Junior when he said an answer, although it was correct. So he asked a non-Native American student if Junior’s answer was correct. Alexie was resolute to add discrimination to the book, because he wants to show us that the act of discrimination has always been around and unflagging. The two also show that they are proud to be Spokane Indians. “Alexie frequently acknowledges both his Spokane and Coeur d’Alene tribal heritage and is glad to be a part of that tribe” (Sax). Junior is also proud to be a proud Native American, because after Roger, a bully and later friend, made fun of his culture. So, Junior punched Roger, because he wanted to defend his culture and ethnicity. He made Junior proud to be a part of the Spokane