Absolutely True Diary

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Growing up as an outcast is never easy, no matter the circumstances. Mental, physical, and social differences can all be challenging. In the adolescent novel “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie, he outlines the difficulties, stereotypes, and discrimination that can occur in today's minorities. Arnold Spirit, a high school student born with hydrocephalus “water on the brain” is athletically gifted as well as unusually intelligent. Stuck on an Indian reservation, also know as the rez,” Arnold, who goes by Junior, must make some life changing decisions regarding his future. Is it time to break the cycle of self destruction? No matter how ambitious, those on the rez …show more content…

Why are they trapped? Why has there not been a change? In class it was noted that “what we see over and over is what we believe” (Tues 10th). Change is always difficult. It takes courage, encouragement, and dedication form not just one single person, but an entire community. Junior made a change, he went out and chased his dreams. Near the end of the novel, Rowdy mentioned that Indians did not always stay in the same place, and they were not always unhappy. “We use to be nomadic,” Rowdy said, “It means we people who move around, who keep moving, in search of food and water and grazing land,” (pg. 229) proving people, cultures and communities do change, just not always for the better. Changing and growing is simply a part of every community and nation, but so many generalizations are made by individuals who do not know the real stories. Stories about Africa written by Americans who have never set foot outside of the United States, novels written about racism by those who have never experiences discrimination or prejudice is simply audacious. Understanding what is going on around us is essential, but according to the article “Multicultural literature and young adolescents: A kaleidoscope of opportunity,” by Susan M Landt, “Crossing cultural borders involves understanding similarities among cultures, while also appreciating the differences,” ( pg 692) …show more content…

Sherman Alexie based the novel off of his own childhood and experiences he went through. He has personal experience when trying to fit in as a “strange” Indian boy fitting into a new society. The guided notes for our diversity section states that “ as with all literature, multicultural literature can spark imagination,” (Thursday 5th) allowing adolescents and adult readers they are able to put themselves in the shoes of other cultures, understanding what is important and meaningful. Despite the fact that the novel was written from a Native American point of view, it still follows the same general feelings of most adolescent novels. Friendship between Rowdy and Junior was restored at the end of the novel, and they are happy. Future ambitions and possibilities are left for the reader to decide. Junior is sure to have more difficulties he must overcome as he ascends into adulthood, however, the ending helps restore our faith in not only lasting friendships, but also new friends and experiences. Do not be fooled the novel was not all “poor me” and “I just want to be accepted.” Junior has his share of adolescent antics. Sex continues to be a reoccurring topic in the majority of adolescent novels, especially those based around the life of an adolescent male. On several occasions, Junior describes the pleasure of

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