Effects of Colonization In Diary

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The Absolutely True Life of a Part-Time Indian touches my soul and has the potential to captivate any young reader. It is a coming of age novel, a story about adolescence, and passages of relevance for so many teens. Arnold is such an inspiring character and does not give up. Sherman teaches his readers what dedication and preservation can do. Everything is taken from Arnold. "So many Ghosts." He keeps going. Alexie covers so many major issues, but the one issue that others are derived from, is the effects of colonization. He shows us how one person can make such an impact. Tiny changes can produce big results, and Arnold influenced so many lives.
    I think Arnold makes his decision to go to Rearden after his conversation with Mr. P. A white man that was taught to, "Kill the Indian, to save the child. To kill Indian culture." tells him to leave the rez, because somewhere inside him he refused to give up. Another effect of colonization, to give up because of who you are. Arnold was different from the others. He hadn't given up. The other characters in the book represent the other paths Arnold could have chosen, all ending in a death involving alcohol. Alcohol was the depressant Indians used after being dehumanized.

      One of the biggest effects of colonization is the embedded hate for other people. The teaching of this hate. I mean the teaching of racism and hate.  Penelope's dad embodies this. The teacher talking about the wood and Arnold's Tribe Embodies this, and Mr.P admits to it. Arnold goes through so much and conquers so much, but the most extravagant magnificent thing he did was bring his classroom together. The same set of students who laughed and turned their nose up at him, all stood up for him. He made those kids unite. We are the UNITED states, we are a nation of variety. We are a beautiful melting pot full of beautiful people, but we let the color of our skin, what's in our pockets, and our abilities define us and define what we think about others. They got to know him for the person he is and said no to discrimination and hate. Arnold teaches us how to love, have hope, and say yes to our lives.

Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 14, 2017 at 9:26 AM

    I love your view on this subject Jess! Hate unlike love is taught, and many of times for the wrong reasons. The majority of people hate other people (or ideas) just because it is completely different and "strange" compared to what they are comfortable with. This book shows that two worlds can come together and unite to stand up for what is right just like in a happily ever after movie. Although we know Arnold's life is not like a fairy tale.

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