This time the book shows a lot of cultural aspects of Tayo's Native American heritage. It was interesting to learn about some of the Native American customs such as their belief that if you don't respect the dead dear they won't die for you again. This just showed me how much their belief system is tied into nature. Also this section showed some more insight into Tayo's character. He tries to adhere to his Native American heritage which shows respect on his part and also when Emo continually harasses him it shows a lot of control on his part. Until Tayo stabs him which shows Tayo's great amount of anger inside him that not only originated from Emo's harassment, but from Rocky's death and other events. To me this section shows Silko's contempt towards white people. She may not hate white people but the way she portrays it through Emo shows true human emotion that came across to me as possibly her own belief. Silko could also be showing a view that Native Americans are becoming basically snobs and alcoholics and that she's just trying to point out this flaw in their society. Hopefull this will clarify later on in the book.
Quotes:
"When Tayo saw he was getting started, he looked at the eyes again; he took off his jacket and covered the deer's head." (Page 50). - This quote shows the cultural aspect of respect for nature. I thought it was interesting that it was a custom to cover the animals head when gutting it. The quote shows a totally different belief system.
"You drink like an Indian, and you're crazy like one too-but you aren't shit, white trash. You love Japs the way your mother loved to screw white men." (Page 63). - This quote seemed very emotional to me. Like Silko actually meant it. The way she used the similes to enhance the racism.
Also I have a question: Is the scene where Tayo stabs Emo a flashback?
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yeah I hope it clarifies too cause it does make them seem super lazy. i like how you went deep with Tayos personality
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Daniel; I don't like the Indian characters because they sit around and live off the government. The characters feel they are entitled to great places (aside form the reservation). Come on, no other ethnic group in the country has land given to them.
ReplyDeletethat is so raciest what you guys are saying about Indians.... some of the smartest people in the world are Indians....not only Indians sit around and live off the government...actually Geoff what do you think the "Hawaiian Homes" are they get the land given to them or for super cheap so your wrong about Indians being the only one to get free land... anyways do understand the flash backs and stuff yet in the story???
ReplyDeletewow some people take this much to seriously, simply we are criticizing the book and not necessarily how general Indians live. But responding to your question yes it was a flashback when Tayo gets all nuts on Emo, that part helps alot to clear up many questions
ReplyDeleteWell, are all Native Americans alcoholics? From the book we are getting that those that went to war are commonly drinkers, but what about everyone else?
ReplyDeleteAnd as Devin said, yes, that was a flashback.
Wow Daniel, you're deep. I agree with you on how Silko portrays Native Americans. She makes them look like really bad people because all they do is get drunk and do really weird traditional ceremonies.
ReplyDeleteDaniel,
ReplyDeleteGood job with your post. Finally some passion in the comments. (Geoff are you doing this on purpose or are these your true feelings?)
Silko herself is an Indian. Why exactly would she portray her own people such derogatorily? What is she pointing out..it's way more than them being alcoholic, lazy people.
Thoughts anyone?
Ms. Champagne