In "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie, the protagonist, Arnold Spirit Jr., also known as Junior, faces several instances of racism throughout the novel. These events highlight the discrimination and prejudice faced by Native Americans in contemporary society. Here are some notable examples:
1. At Wellpinit High School: Junior attends the predominately white reservation school, where he is consistently treated as an outcast due to his physical appearance and economic background. Students call him names like "" and "apple" (red on the outside, white on the inside), which is a term used to describe Native Americans who are perceived as betraying their culture.
2. At Reardan High School: Junior decides to transfer to the mostly white high school in Reardan, a nearby town outside the reservation. Here, he is subjected to racial slurs and physical violence by his new classmates, who perceive him as different solely because of his Native American heritage.
3. Racism within the Native American community: Junior's own tribe, the Spokane Indian Reservation, also perpetuates racism. Many tribal members view Junior attending a white school as a betrayal to their culture. They call him a "white-lover" and taunt him because of his choice to attend school in Reardan.
4. Basketball matches: As Junior becomes a member of the Reardan High School basketball team, he faces racists slurs from opposing teams and their fans during games. These insults often target his heritage and racial identity.
5. Discrimination in society: Throughout the book, Junior encounters various racist attitudes from white people in the larger society. Stereotypes, misunderstandings, and biases are often directed at him, reflecting the systemic racism that Native Americans face in their everyday lives.
These racist events reflect the challenges that Junior encounters as he tries to navigate his identity as a Native American teenager living in a predominantly white society. Despite the adversity, Junior is determined to break down barriers and fight against the racism he and his community face.
In the novel the absolute diary of a part time Indian by Alexie state and describe racism events that transpired
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