Sherman Alexie

"Life is a constant struggle between being an individual and being a member of the community."
— Sherman Alexie


"The world, even the smallest parts of it, is filled with things you don't know."
— Sherman Alexie

Evolution

Does he imply that the Indians pawn their lives to by liquor because the poem mentions the location of the liquor store is so close to the pawn shop? I wonder why he wrote this poem. Is it because he believes Native Americans have sold out their culture and the only ones who have true authentic Native American items are the collectors? The poem sounds like he is disappointed by the behavior of Native Americans.


Scalp Dance

To me the Spokane woman felt the artist was taking advantage of their hospitality and she did not like him. I could understand why. If I had someone wanting to paint me while I was in morning I would probably have done worse than slap his hand away. I understand the artist wants to paint a picture of the true spirit of the Native Americans, but I also think he is exploiting the Natives in the tribe.