Despite 400 years of what amounted to genocide at the hands of Europeans, indigenous peoples of North America – known variously as Native Americans, First Peoples, Amerinds, or their own preferred appellation, “Indians” (a name bestowed by Columbus who believed he had actually reached India in 1492) stubbornly remain. Beyond the borders of the reservations …
In Flight Patterns, Alexie uses fiction elements such as characters, plot, and tone to communicate the idea that due to racism Americans often misjudge others, rather than basing their judgments on character. The main character, William, is a healthy, ritualistic Spokane Indian living in Seattle, Washington who knows a wide variety of American trivia. He …
The Influences of Life Everyone’s previous experiences in life have an impact on the decisions they make. Whether it’s a fear of sharks keeping them from swimming, or something more extreme, everything people do is somewhat based on things they have already been through. This is commonly seen in authors and their writing. Many times …
Ten Little Indians by Sherman Alexie explores the lives of various native Americans who pursue their own dreams amongst the “white,” stereotypical Americans who make assumptions about them. They try to combine their own versions of “the little brown guys” with expectations from other native Americans and Americans in general. Each chapter concerns the struggles …
