In Sherman Alexie's novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, the theme of racial identity plays a significant role in shaping the protagonist's journey. This bildungsroman tells the story of Arnold Spirit, a young Native American boy living on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Arnold's search for belonging and understanding of his racial identity is encapsulated through a series of events that highlight the complexities of racial dynamics and how they are learned.
One of the first events that reveals the process of learning racial identity is when Arnold decides to attend the all-white Reardan High School, located off the reservation. This decision creates a division among his own people, as his tribe sees it as a betrayal. Arnold encounters racism and prejudice from both his new classmates and his own friends back on the reservation. This event exposes the sharp contrast between the two worlds he inhabits and forces him to confront his own racial identity. As he navigates this new environment, Arnold learns that racial identity is not only defined by others but also by the choices one makes for themselves.
Another crucial event in Arnold's exploration of racial identity is his encounter with Roger, a white student at Reardan High School. Initially, Roger embodies the stereotypical racist and ignorant attitude towards Native Americans. However, as Arnold befriends Roger, he begins to challenge and deconstruct these stereotypes. Through their friendship, Arnold learns that racial identity is not a fixed construct but rather a fluid and evolving concept. He realizes that individuals who embrace empathy and understanding can transcend societal expectations and prejudices.
Arnold's journey of understanding his racial identity also includes his interactions with Rowdy, his best friend on the reservation. Their friendship is tested when Arnold leaves the reservation to attend Reardan. Rowdy feels abandoned and angry at Arnold's betrayal. However, as the novel progresses, Arnold learns that their friendship goes beyond racial lines. Despite their differences and conflicts, they ultimately reconnect and bond over shared experiences and struggles. This event teaches Arnold that racial identity can be both a unifying and divisive force, and that true understanding is built on acknowledging and respecting each other's cultural backgrounds.
Furthermore, Arnold's interactions with his family also shape his understanding of racial identity. He witnesses his father's alcoholism and his mother's efforts to provide for the family. Through the ups and downs of their lives, Arnold witnesses the strength and resilience of his Native American heritage. This event showcases the importance of family in grounding one's racial identity and instilling a sense of cultural pride.
In conclusion, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian highlights the process through which racial identity is learned. The events in the novel demonstrate that racial identity is not a singular or fixed concept, but rather a fluid and complex construct. Arnold's journey is characterized by his navigation of social expectations, his friendships, and his familial connections. Through these experiences, he learns that racial identity extends beyond superficial stereotypes and that true understanding can only be achieved through empathy, compassion, and a willingness to challenge preconceived notions. Ultimately, Sherman Alexie's novel invites readers to reflect on their own perceptions of race and to question the ways in which racial identity is formed and expressed in society.
Write an essay that is event based according to the novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian which highlights how racial identity is learned, refer to the racial identity events that appears in the novel
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