Native American Readings

 


Noor Qureshi

Mr. Roddy

IHSS

14 October 2021

Native American Readings

            When reading "Superman and Me" and the "Iroquois Creation Story," I noticed two different themes- the theme of good vs. evil, which is portrayed in the creation story, and the theme of education vs. cultural background in "Superman and Me." The theme I want to hone in on is education vs. cultural background because I feel like there is a meaning behind that short story. The author, Sherman Alexie, explains that there is a stigma around Native Americans and how they are not supposed to be smart. They are not supposed to be arrogant or proud, and they certainly should not be able to read. Instead, they were supposed to keep their heads down and shy away. Your cultural background determined your education, hence the theme. There was a lack of opportunities which lead to less motivation in these minority groups. If you know there's nothing waiting for you ahead, then why try? That was the mindset running through many people's heads. Alexie, on the other hand, was different and wanted to inspire others to try and defy the stigma that society has created against minorities (Native Americans in particular). He later grew up to be an author and teacher. Like Alexie said in his story "I am smart. I am arrogant. I am lucky. I am trying to save our lives."

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